The IPL 2025 caravan rolls into Mullanpur on April 8 as Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in match number 22 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. This clash could have significant implications for both teams, with PBKS currently holding fourth place on the points table and CSK languishing in ninth.
Punjab Kings have enjoyed a decent start to the season, winning two of their three matches. However, they’ll be keen to bounce back after a disappointing 50-run loss to the Rajasthan Royals in their last outing. Nehal Wadhera was the lone bright spot, scoring a fighting 62, but lacked support at the other end.
Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, are struggling to find consistency. With just one win from four games, CSK’s campaign has yet to hit its stride. Their most recent defeat came against Delhi Capitals, where Vijay Shankar’s gritty 69 wasn’t enough to prevent a 25-run loss.
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Head-to-head, these two sides have faced off 31 times, with CSK winning 17 and PBKS 14. Given the current form and contrasting momentum, this encounter promises high stakes and compelling cricket under the Mullanpur lights.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have no injury setbacks heading into their clash with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), but a tactical change could be on the cards. Harpreet Brar might replace Suryansh Shedge to add another spin option on a surface that could favour turn. PBKS will once again rely on Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, and Glenn Maxwell to counter CSK’s spin-heavy attack. Wadhera has impressed against spin this season, striking at 165, while Maxwell has had success against Jadeja and Ashwin but must be cautious of Noor Ahmad, who’s dismissed him seven times.
Probable XII: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK, too, are injury-free, with Ruturaj Gaikwad recovering well from an elbow niggle. However, Mukesh Choudhary’s expensive spell might see him replaced by Anshul Kamboj. CSK’s slow starts at the top could trigger a batting reshuffle. Gaikwad, far more effective as an opener, might return to the top, while Shivam Dube could be key in attacking Yuzvendra Chahal, who’s been expensive against left-handers lately.
Probable XII: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary/Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Prabhsimran Singh, MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad (vc), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Vijay Shankar, Glenn Maxwell, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Arshdeep Singh, Noor Ahmad
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Devon Conway, Prabhsimran Singh, MS Dhoni(vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Rachin Ravindra, Nehal Wadhera, Vijay Shankar (c), Glenn Maxwell, Ravindra Jadeja, Noor Ahmad
