The world has altered significantly in every aspect since 2020. The fortunes of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Yellow Army – the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – is no exception. The three-time champions, led by MS Dhoni, finished seventh out of eight teams last season in the UAE. It was the first time in IPL history they failed to make it to the top four.
This time, too, they suffered a 7-wicket defeat to Delhi Capitals (DC). It remains the only match in IPL 2021 so far (after seven games) that has not gone down to the last over.
The performance of any empire’s troops largely lies in how the King leading. Hold on, do not judge. We’re not questioning Dhoni’s leadership ability here. But even his ardent supporters admit his batting lacks confidence these days. Dhoni was clean bowled by a young Harishankar Reddy during a practice match before the season began. In the match against Delhi, he scored a two-ball duck. In 2020, his 204 runs came at a strike rate of 116. If the Super Kings want to turn the table around, Dhoni needs to shine, as simple as that.
Match 8 of the IPL, in Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, will feature CSK taking on in-form Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 16. Punjab began the new season brilliantly, winning by 4 runs against Rajasthan Royals (RR). Skipper KL Rahul, since making his switch to Punjab from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has been in astounding form, scoring 670, 593 and 659 respectively in the past three years. He started the season on an aggressive note, smashing 91 runs at a strike rate of 182, laced with seven fours and five sixes.
Faf and furious! #PBKSvCSK #WhistlePodu #Yellove 💛🦁 pic.twitter.com/9uZrqzZ2fM
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 16, 2021
Punjab batters are never in doubt with their expectations. The likes of Rahul himself, alongside Mayank Agarwal, ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran provide the side a dangerous. Despite not featuring in this edition, the addition of top-ranked T20I batsman Dawid Malan is a cherry on the top. Deepak Hooda’s fiery 28-ball 64 against RR gave them a huge boost at this early stage of the season. Hooda, recently suspended by Baroda on disciplinary grounds, can be handy with the ball in hand too.
The major talking point of Punjab’s bowling is their pace attack. Even after the big-money signings of BBL stars Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith, young Arshdeep Singh took all the limelight. Although Meredith and Richardson picked up a wicket each, they went for 12 an over. Arshdeep, on the other hand, bowled a superb last over to finish with three wickets and an economy under nine. In fact, he could have sealed the match earlier, had Rahul not dropped an easy catch of Sanju Samson on 10. Shami (4-0-33-2) too, played his part in the Punjab victory.
Chennai, on the other hand, got runs on the board largely to ‘Chinna Thala’ Suresh Raina (54 in 36 balls). Moeen Ali (36), Ambati Rayudu (23), Ravindra Jadeja (26) and a much-needed cameo from Sam Curran (34 in 15) helped them post 188. However, coming at defending the total, CSK bowlers seemed to lose the spark. Dwayne Bravo picked up the first DC wicket after 13.3 overs, but at that point, the damage has been done.
If the Super Kings want to taste their first victory against Punjab tonight, Shardul Thakur and co need to click.
Head to head
Chennai have played Punjab 23 times in IPL and have won 14 occasions.
Key Players
KL Rahul (Punjab Kings): The Punjab skipper, as mentioned earlier, has been in fine form in the past three years in the tournament. If CSK get Rahul early, Punjab will be in trouble.
Suresh Raina (Chennai Super Kings): CSK fans will hope Mr IPL continues to score runs. It is not an absurd expectation. After all, he has 5,422 IPL runs with a strike rate of just under 140.
Likely XIs
Punjab Kings: KL Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Shahrukh Khan, Jhye Richardson, Ravi Bishnoi/Murugan Ashwin, Riley Meredith, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Sam Curran, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar/Harishankar Reddy.
Prediction
Punjab Kings will take the top spot by beating Chennai tonight.