The upcoming IPL 2024 clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on May 1st promises to be a thrilling encounter. CSK currently sits at third place on the points table, while PBKS is placed ninth. With five wins in nine matches, CSK has been in decent form, while PBKS has managed three victories in the same number of games.
CSK’s recent triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad saw Ruturaj Gaikwad and Daryl Mitchell shine with impressive performances. PBKS, on the other hand, is coming off an 8-wicket win against Rajasthan Royals, with Jonny Bairstow and Shashank Singh leading the charge with their brilliant knocks.
In their past encounters, CSK has held the upper hand, winning 16 out of 29 matches against PBKS. However, PBKS has also tasted success in Chennai, winning three games, including one in the previous season. The pitch at MA Chidambaram Stadium is expected to offer some assistance to both batsmen and bowlers.
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While it may be on the drier side compared to the previous game, dew could still play a significant role, as observed in previous matches at the venue. Overall, the head-to-head statistics favour CSK, but PBKS has shown the ability to challenge them, especially in away games. As both teams aim for crucial points in the IPL standings, fans can expect an exciting contest between these two sides.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
There’s been speculation about potentially reshuffling their opening pair given Ajinkya Rahane’s underwhelming performances this season. Meanwhile, the battle between Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma, who’ve been instrumental in PBKS’ lower-order resilience, against Matheesha Pathirana could prove pivotal.
Probable XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana, Mustafizur Rahman
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
The availability of Shikhar Dhawan remains uncertain, with a decision likely to be made on match day, while Sikandar Raza’s departure for national duty leaves a gap in the squad. Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada have proven effective against Shivam Dube, dismissing him twice each, setting up an intriguing duel from the outset.
Additionally, their track record against Ruturaj Gaikwad suggests CSK may need to strategize carefully across the innings. Ruturaj’s vulnerability to left-arm pace, having been dismissed four times this season, could prompt PBKS to utilize Arshdeep’s expertise early on.
Probable XI: Prabhsimran Singh/Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Haarshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Jonny Bairstow (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ajinkya Rahane, Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja (c), Matheesha Pathirana, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Tushar Deshpande
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Jonny Bairtsow, Jitesh Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Daryl Mitchell, Shashank Singh, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Sam Curran (c), Harshal Patel, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana
