Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after a string of victories finally was brought down to the ground by the Mumbai Indians (MI) when they got the better of them in the last game. However, it won’t be an awakening call and will look to storm back to winning ways when they take on Kings XI Punjab at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 6 (Saturday).
MS Dhoni & Co will want to regroup themselves and put their best game to overtrump a confident Punjab team. The management will look to make some changes in the playing XI and bring some depth in the playing XI.
The bowling, meanwhile, looks good with the spinners leading the pack. It will be an interesting game when both the team clash as they have some exciting cricketers in their ranks.
Here is the predicted playing XI of Chennai Super Kings for match 18 of the ongoing IPL 2019 against Kings XI Punjab at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai:
AMBATI RAYUDU
Ambati Rayudu needs to start scoring soon to retain his place in the playing XI, and also to be in the good books of the selectors ahead of the World Cup team selection. The right-handed batsman did an outstanding job last year and will have to find that touchback.
FAF DU PLESSIS
Faf du Plessis has done relatively well for Chennai Super Kings in the limited opportunities he got. The Proteas skipper has been among the runs playing cricket for South Africa and will aim to continue doing his job.
SURESH RAINA
Suresh Raina is the millennial boy in the history of Indian Premier League. He has got starts in all the games but has failed to carry on. The southpaw needs to shoulder the responsibility and put good runs for the Chennai Super Kings.
SAM BILLINGS
Sam Billings is a great entertainer and has all the shots in his books. The English cricketer will add value in the middle order and provide depth in the batting order. Chennai Super Kings management will expect Billings to guide them to winning ways.
KEDAR JADHAV
Kedar Jadhav was the lone warrior in the last game and his half-century will work as a major confidence booster in the matches to follow. Jadhav is a good finisher and Chennai will want him to be in good form.
MS DHONI
MS Dhoni has lacked consistency so far and has been slow during his innings. The Chennai Super Kings skipper needs to lead the team from the front and help his side return to winning ways.
DWAYNE BRAVO
Dwayne Bravo has performed well with both bat and ball and has been a consistent performer for CSK. The Windies all-rounder is an entertaining act and needs to keep up the good work to help his side reclaim the top spot in the points table.
RAVINDRA JADEJA
Ravindra Jadeja has bowled well; however, will have to come good with the bat. The Chennai Super Kings franchise will want their experienced cricketer to make contributions to their victory.
DEEPAK CHAHAR
Deepak Chahar has been terrific bowling in the powerplays. MS Dhoni has used in the first ten overs and the young pacer has delivered. Chahar needs to keep doing what he does best in the upcoming games.
SHARDUL THAKUR
Shardul Thakur has gone for plenty and has been wayward. The Indian pacer needs to put his best step forward and help his side return to winning ways when they take on Kings XI Punjab.
IMRAN TAHIR
Imran Tahir has been a match winner for any side he has represented. He has once again done a good job for the Chennai Super Kings and will want to continue doing his job and help his side script another win.
