KXIP Vs CSK Preview : One of the revamped sides in the tournament Kings XI Punjab is all set to host roaring Chennai Super Kings at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali. The problem with Punjab is their consistency and they are not playing up to their potential. Many selection dilemmas and bad on-field decisions cost them badly. Punjab team management has seemed to realize those scenarios and this time they make few investments and also focused on building the team strength which is vital for any team which plays such a big tournament. With few value additions, they looked strong on paper and have to see their on-field performance before judging them.
CSK on the other side is a strong, well-balanced and settled unit as usual. With better winning records they look to extend their dominance against KXIP. With Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo providing all-around abilities, their batting depth makes them a team to beat in the tournament.
Team Statistics
Both the teams have met each other on 20 occasions and CSK managed to seal victory 12 times. At Mohali cricket stadium, CSK again has got the better record by winning 3 of the five matches played there. Suresh Raina has emerged as the most successful batsmen between these two sides by scoring a whopping 641 runs. Dwayne Bravo is the leading wicket-taker between these two sides with 14 scalps under his belt. With PCA pitch traditionally supports bowlers last year CSK’s Lungi Nigidi made most out of the pitch by making his best figures of 4/10.
What to Expect?
With the PCA pitch traditionally offers some bounce pacers from both the sides are expected to play a key role. KXIP’s pace bowling has bolstered with the arrival of in-form Mohammed Shami and Sam Curran. Team management is also expecting a strong performance from both the players to stop CSK extending their record against them.
CSK on other hand is a better bowling unit that contains Indian recruits like Deepak Chahar and Shrudul Thakur along with lungi Nigidi and David Willey. Dwayne Bravo the go-to man for CSK will also look to play a major role by using the conditions in a better manner. Along the wrist spinners, can get little bit assistance from the pitch which can help the spinners from both the sides.
Players to Watch Out for CSK
Dwayne Bravo
One of the best t20 players across the globe Dwayne Bravo has the pillar of CSK’s success over the years. He has won so many matches for them and he is expected to do the same in this match also. His big hitting abilities down the order and ability to bowl slower Yorkers and his stock deliveries across the off stump make him lethal. Being the highest wicket-taker between two sides he is expected to repeat the same again in this match.
Imran Tahir
With PCA pitch that provides the little bit of assistance to leggies, Imran Tahir can make his presence count with his leg breaks. His line and lengths are difficult to pick and hence can able to rule the inexperienced KXIP batting line up.
Players to Watch Out for KXIP
Mujeeb
This 20-year-old youngster from Afghanistan has been the relegation in t20 format of the game. He has performed exceptionally well in the last edition and also other t20 leagues across the globe. With a pitch that offers little assistance, he is expected to repeat the same performance this year also.
Mayank Agarwal
One of the best finds for India in test cricket last year Mayank Agarwal is looking for the right opportunities to stake his claim in limited overs format. He will be eyeing this IPL to make his entry into the limited overs team. Elegant stroke maker who has got the reputation for playing long innings is expected to shoulder the KXIP batting department this edition.
Final Words
With young prospects and depth in batting line up along with home ground advantage, KXIP is expected to come good against CSK. But CSK on another hand will try their level best to extend their dominance against KXIP. Overall it is going to be a thrilling encounter for fans.
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