The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will play the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 11 of IPL 2022 on 3 April at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
Having lost both their matches, CSK find themselves playing catch-up, something they are not used to doing. It is too early for captain Ravindra Jadeja to come under pressure, but the knives may start to come out with another defeat. He will know better than anyone that he needs to contribute more, especially with ball, having failed to take a wicket so far in the IPL this season. However, this being a night match, dew will pose a threat.
Despite becoming the highest wicket-taker in IPL history, Dwayne Bravo cannot be expected to do it all by himself. Others have up to the mark if CSK want to become playoffs contenders. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Orange Cap winner in IPL 2021, has yet to hit his straps this season. Now would be a good time to start.
PBKS made an impressive start to the season, chasing down 205 to beat the Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, against the Kolkata Knight Riders, they were were bowled out for 137, failing to bat even 19 overs. They certainly have the firepower at the top, with Mayank Agarwal, Shikhar Dhawan and Bhanuka Rajapaksa all capable of dominating an innings. However, consistency may be the key if they wish to mount a sustained challenge this season.
On the bright side, Kagiso Rabada, Purple Cap winner in 2020, is back to spearhead their bowling attack. If he can find some form, they will always have a chance.
Likely XIs:
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (c), Dwaine Pretorius, Dwayne Bravo, Mukesh Choudhary, KM Asif
Punjab Kings: Mayank Agarwal (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Liam Livingstone, Raj Bawa, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Odean Smith, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh Rahul Chahar.
Fantasy Tips:
• Pick Gaikwad to find some form with the bat;
• Jadeja can answer his critics, especially with the ball, whilst Bravo is always a good bet to get among the wickets;
• Rabada can begin to justify the price that CSK paid for him at auction.
Streaming
‘Match 11 between CSK and PBKS will start at 19:30 on Sunday, 3 April. You can watch the match on the Star Network and Hotstar.