Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have contrasting fates right now. One is looking to break into the top four. The other already knows the game is over. CSK have only two things left this season: chase results with next year in mind, and play out the remaining fixtures. The second job, obviously, makes moving on more difficult. But CSK’s think tank has already occupied themselves with plans for the future. Both Stephen Fleming and Michael Hussey are keeping the youngsters within sight to come back stronger next season.
But next season is still a year away. And PBKS, seemingly, do not want to wait that long. They overhauled their entire squad, brought in a new coach, and didn’t sign up for another year of rebuilding. Rain robbed them of one point, which went to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Mullanpur, but this fixture gives them a chance to reset and break into the top four once again.
Team Overview:
Punjab’s openers, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, stitched the second-highest opening stand of the season and have maintained a whopping strike rate of 184.13—the best among all teams. But the numbers drop sharply further down the order. PBKS’ middle order has a strike rate better only than CSK’s, which says a lot about where the rot lies.
They’re kind of stuck with Glenn Maxwell for the off-spin he brings, something that becomes a thousand-fold more important in Chepauk. But Josh Inglis isn’t as indispensable, especially with an average of 18.66 this year. PBKS have a backup wicketkeeper in Prabhsimran, and a decent one at that. A return for Marcus Stoinis wouldn’t be shocking, though his form is equally dicey. Then again, his red-inked century against CSK in Chepauk last year is still fresh in memory. PBKS might just gamble on the ghost of Chepauk past, and hope he brings a bat this time too.
CSK have already made it clear that they will give game time to the rest of their players now that nothing is at stake for them, At least not practically. The problem with their batting lineup is that it failed in entirety. For most other teams, only parts of the lineup misfired. CSK’s highest individual score this season is 69* by Vijay Shankar, and that too came in a losing cause. The youngsters, Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis, outdid themselves in the last game, but with little support from the rest, their efforts weren’t enough to salvage the innings. Noor Ahmad, their lone silver lining with the ball, went wicketless in two games before picking up two scalps for an expensive bargain last time out.
Head-to-Head Matches:
In 32 meetings between the two sides, CSK have triumphed 17 times, while Punjab have taken 15 wins, Including their most recent clash in Mullanpur.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Outside the IPL, Chepauk doesn’t host many T20s, and for good reason. The pitch is as tricky as they come. It helps spinners, but dew could dull that edge, likely limiting assistance to the first innings. Either way, Chennai rarely delivers high-scoring games.
The weather is a touch cooler than it has been in recent days, with a light breeze in the air. This could mean dew won’t be as much of a menace, even if it arrives. Still, the toss-winning captain is expected to bowl first, just in case.
Where to Watch:
India: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
UK: Sky Sports, SkyGo
USA: Willow TV
Australia: Kayo TV, FoxTel Go
Bangladesh: T Sports, Toffee app
New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ
Afghanistan: ATN
South Africa: SuperSport
Sri Lanka: Dialog
MENA: Cricbuzz
