The scenario is such that if Sunrisers Hyderabad win both their remaining matches, they finish on 14 points. The winner of the DC vs RCB game will definitely end with more than 14 points. With one match in their kitty and 12 points each, KKR and RR could also end up with 14 points. So all KXIP can do now is try to defeat CSK by a comprehensive margin and hope the other results go their way.
Punjab will have their task cut out, as CSK, who are already out of the tournament, will be on a high following consecutive victories over Bangalore and Kolkata. Chennai would rue the fact that they couldn’t come up with such comprehensive efforts when it was much-needed.
They seem to have started preparations for next year though with young Ruturaj Gaikwad hitting consecutive fifties in the last two wins. Ravindra Jadeja’s brilliant cameo against KKR pulled them over the line from a tough position. In the bowling, Deepak Chahar has been consistent for most part while Lungi Ngidi impressed with 2 for 34 in the previous game.
Punjab will need to be at their very best against CSK. Skipper KL Rahul will have to come up with a dominating effort to support Chris Gayle, who has reiterated his Universe Boss status. Nicholas Pooran has been exceptional with his big-hitting at number four. The bowling, which has been their strength of late, faltered against Rajasthan, so that is an area they need to show improvement.
Head-to-Head Record: CSK have a 14-9 lead over KXIP from 23 matches.
KXIP Predicted XI: KL Rahul (C&WK), Mayank Agarwal/Mandeep Singh, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Deepak Hooda, Chris Jordan, Ravi Bishnoi, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh
CSK Predicted XI: Faf du Plessis/Shane Watson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (C&WK), N Jagadeesan, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Mitchell Santner, Lungi Ngidi, Deepak Chahar and Karn Sharma
Pitch report
The pitch has been good for batting of late. Scores around 180-190 have been chased. Batting second might be the way to go.
Weather conditions
Being a day game, the temperature will be in the mid to high 30s.
--Renin Wilben