CSK Vs KXIP Preview : Host Chennai Super Kings is all set to lock the horns with Punjab at Chennai and is hunting to win the title twice in a row and fourth overall. CSK is unstoppable at their home and Kings XI Punjab is going to face an uphill task against Chennai at M.A Chidambaram stadium. It has been the story of individual brilliance for Punjab as their star batsmen KL Rahul has scored almost 700 runs last season which contributed heavily in their victory. Even though they started well in the last edition of the tournament but their inconsistent performance prevented them from sealing the playoff berth. The revamped side after the recently concluded IPL auctions has got few value additions like Mohammed Shami and TNPL sensation Varun Chakravorty in their ranks is expecting better finish than the last couple of editions.
CSK on other hand is a solid team and also got a home ground advantage will look to seal the victory at any cost. The experienced batting line-up clicking as a unit is a welcome sign and they are expected to put a strong performance against Kings XI Punjab as they did in the past. Solid batting line-up also got good allrounders in their ranks which increase the depth in their batting order. With both domestic and international guns firing their bowling attack is one of the best bowling attacks in the tournament.
Team Statistics
Overall in the history of the IPL, both teams have faced each other in 20 occasions and CSK emerged victorious in 12 occasions and got a better win percentage against Kings XI Punjab than other teams. But when it comes to M.A Chidambaram stadium CSK has able to win thrice out of the 5 occasions and KXIP has managed to seal victory twice. So it is evident that if KXIP was able to play up to their potential they can give a stiff competition to mighty Super kings. Suresh Raina has been the most successful player between these two sides as he amazed with 641 runs. Dwayne Bravo has been leading wickets column with 14 wickets between two sides.
What to Expect Between Two Sides
Unlike other seasons KXIP has got few talents who can turn the matches on their favor. Led by India’s frontline spinner in tests Ravichandran Ashwin the team can able to upset any team on their day. Quality additions like Sam Curran, Mohammed Shami, and Nicolas Pooran provides the much-needed balance for the side. If they perform up to their potential they can be unbeatable and can upset any team.
CSK one of the leading sides in the tournament as expected to be lethal as usual. Young and experienced players in their backyard they are expected to extend their lead against inconsistent KXIP.
Players to Watch Out for CSK
Suresh Raina
Having been the top performer for CSK over the years Suresh Raina is expected to repeat the same in this year’s edition. He is looking to put a strong performance in IPL which can help him to return to national colors. He has got the reputation for forging the big total and CSK will look for him to put a strong performance which eases their chances of winning matches.
Dwayne Bravo
Tall and lanky West Indian one of the best T20 players at the moment Dwayne Bravo is looking to put a strong performance with both bat and ball to ensure the ship doesn’t slip away. He has been the go-to man for captain ms dhoni overs the years and he looks to continue the same in this edition also.
Players to Watch Out for KXIP
Mohammed Shami
So far has been the great year for Mohammed Shami as he established himself as one of the leading bowlers in both one-dayers and test cricket. The strong performance in IPL will boost his confidence further before departing for the world cup in England.
KL Rahul
Once considered as the future of Indian cricket after Kohli suddenly has lost his way in 2018. He is looking to put a strong performance as he did in last year to claim for national duty.
Prediction
Overall KXIP looks good on paper if they perform up to their mark they can upset CSK. But on the other hand, CSK will look to extend their dominance against KXIP.
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