It will be a thrilling game between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 8th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday, April 16. PBKS go into the game after managing to win the game after a Sanju Samson special in their last match and have their first points on the board.

In contrast, CSK looked completely under the pump after suffering a dominating loss against Delhi Capitals (DC) and could never really recover from a poor start with both bat and ball. They were hammered brutally by seven wickets in a clueless performance. As PBKS and CSK face off in their second match of IPL 2021, here are three-player battles to look forward to.

#3 KL Rahul vs Shardul Thakur

PBKS captain KL Rahul continued his good form from last season as he smashed 91 off 50 balls against RR. Everyone knows that when in full flow, he can be sublimely destructive. Having commenced the season on a high, he could prove even more dangerous in the upcoming games. After a wonderful series against England, Shardul Thakur had an off-day against DC as he was taken for cleaners by Prithvi Shaw, in particular, and ended up conceding 53 in 3.4 overs.

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However, Thakur would like to remember, particularly considering how well he has bowled in international cricket in recent times. The medium-pacer has been known for his wonderful variations for the T20 format and he would like to put that to use against Rahul. Having played together for India recently though, both would know each others’ strengths and weaknesses. 

#2 Deepak Hooda vs Ravindra Jadeja

 Deepak Hooda was at his ferocious best against RR. He blasted six sixes in his 28-ball 64 and it was his innings that lifted Punjab to a highly imposing total. However, he may find it difficult to face Ravindra Jadeja. The left-arm spinner is adept at keeping the runs down. He likes to fire the ball in and restrict the batsmen. He is also a highly experienced campaigner. Having tasted success in the previous game, Hooda will be confident of taking him on. If that happens, it would be interesting to see how Jadeja responds.

#1 Faf du Plessis vs Mohammed Shami

Faf du Plessis fell cheaply against Delhi and, CSK failed to get their momentum going after that. They have Ruturaj Gaikwad as well at the other end. However, Du Plessis demonstrated in IPL 2021 that he still has it in him to deliver. On the other hand, Punjab’s Mohammed Shami is the most versatile and experienced bowler by a distance in the team.

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Shami can vary his pace and bowl all kinds of deliveries which can be difficult for a batsman to judge. He also possesses the knack of taking big wickets and at key points in matches. Against RR, he sent back the dangerous Ben Stokes in the first over itself. In the match versus CSK as well, he will be expected to strike early. And Du Plessis will certainly be one of his targets.