CSK, PBKS set to clash in Dubai on doubleheader Friday
The 53rd match of Indian Premier League 2021 will feature Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The contest will begin at 3:30 pm (IST).
Expected playing XI
CSK
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Josh Hazlewood, Deepak Chahar.
PBKS
Lokesh Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Deepak Hooda, Shahrukh Khan, Moises Henriques, Harpreet Brar, Mohammad Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh.
Expected best performers
KL Rahul
Rahul is again amongst runs, like any other IPL season. Last year’s Orange Cap winner is the top scorer of the tournament so far. His 528 runs have come at an astonishing average of 52.80.
The Punjab skipper has a knack for starting calmly then going ballistic in middle over with crisp drives and lofted strikes.
His partnership with Mayank Agerwal will be the key for Punjab Kings.
Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja has been Mahendra Singh Dhonis go-to guy with the bat and ball this season. His destruction of the opposition in late overs has turned him into a match-winner for the CSK.
The all-rounder has been instrumental in Chennai’s bowling attack too. His spells in the middle overs chip away vital wickets and help restrict the oppositions to a low score.
So far in this season, the 32-year-old has scored 212 runs and claimed 10 wickets.
Ruturaj Gaikwad
After KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad has scored must runs (521) in the competition so far. Despite starting out the season on a bad note, the right-handed opener has been making every team pay for considering him as an underdog.
Playing in only his second IPL season, Gaikwad has built great chemistry with his opening partner and former South African captain – Faf du Plessis.
Both have mastered the art of dismantling bowlers in powerplay overs. Gaikwad has consistently vowed the viewers with his inside-out lofted drives against spinners.
If he continues to play the way he has been, the 24-year-old may dethrone Rahul as the highest run-getter.
Match prediction
Chennai are coming off a loss to Delhi Capitals. Letting his apprentice Rishabh Pant take the top spot in the points table, Chennai have a few drawbacks to cover before they bump into Punjab Kings.
Despite suffering a loss in the last outing, Chennai have been more consistent in the long run as compared to Rahul’s men.
Punjab are coming off a loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore where Rahul’s unit was just six runs short off a victory. They are at the sixth spot and seem to be losing the plot.
Considering the current forms of both teams, CSK should grab the W on Friday (today).
