In the 53rd of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be locking horns with the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Sunday. Despite being out of contention for a playoff spot, CSK has got back to their winning ways as they recently defeated RCB and KKR. With a revamped strategy revolving around youngsters like Sam Curran and Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK seems to have found a decent balanced squad and they will be targeting a third consecutive win in their last game.
On the other hand, KXIP is still in contention for a playoff spot. However, KXIP suffered a thrashing defeat against RR, who chased down the target of 186 runs with 15 balls to spare. While the KXIP’s top-order duo of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle have been firing more often than not, the team will be sweating over the fitness of Mayank Agarwal. Adding Chris Jordan and Mohammed Shami into the equation only increases the chances of KXIP, who will fancy their chances of a win against CSK in this IPL game.
ALSO READ: SRH Registers A Dominating 5-wicket Win Over RCB In Sharjah
The reverse fixture between the two teams earlier in this year’s IPL saw CSK trump KXIP by ten wickets, with Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis starring with the bat. However, a new-look CSK team could be in for a tough test against KL Rahul and his men, for whom this is a must-win game.
As the two sides prepare for a thrilling encounter, here’s a look at three key player battles to keep an eye on.
#1. Chris Gayle vs Shardul Thakur
Chris Gayle has taken it upon himself to deliver the goods for KXIP in the last game. In 6 matches, Kohli has smashed 276 runs at a strike rate of 144.5. Thrice, Gayle has crossed the fifty mark, batting in his trademark style. KXIP’s top-order batsman’s ability to build his innings and go berserk in the death overs is a massive plus for the Knight Riders.
ALSO READ: Match 53 (CSK vs KXIP) – Fantasy XI Predictions
The CSK pacer, Shardul Thakur has not been able to prove his worth for CSK as he scalped 9 wickets in the season so far. Against Gayle, though, Shardul will have his task cut out. The KXIP veteran is one of the best players of spin in the world and will look to unsettle the mystery spinner.
#2. MS Dhoni vs Mohammed Shami
The CSK skipper, MS Dhoni has had a below-par tournament thus far by his own high standards but on his day remains a formidable opponent regardless of the format, such is his ability to fashion run-scoring opportunities. Mohammed Shami has been KXIP’s go-to man whenever they needed wickets and they will hope he can dismiss the CSK skipper early and thus increase their chances of a victory.
#3. KL Rahul vs Deepak Chahar
On Thursday, Deepak Chahar will come across the might of KXIP skipper, KL Rahul, whose recent inning against MI and RCB have been something else altogether. Chahar has played just every match for CSK he has scalped 12 wickets in the 13 matches so far and maintained an economy of 7.46.
ALSO READ: Match 53 (CSK vs KXIP) – Probable Playing XIs
Chahar’s economy will surely be challenged by Rahul, who has so far played nine games for 641 runs at an insane strike rate of 130.54! He has so far hit 22 sixes and 55 fours in IPL 2020. The last time the two teams met this year, Rahul was the lone scorer for the team and now he will be looking to take revenge of the same.
