In the second match of today, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are meeting in the 18th match of the IPL 2020 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium (Dubai).
This is the fifth match for both these teams in the IPL 2020. Out of their first four matches, both teams won once and lost thrice, which is not a good start anyway. Having just two points for each team, while KL Rahul-led KXIP are in the seventh position, MS Dhoni-led CSK are in the eighth or last position in the points table. So, both the teams are desperate to win this match.
KXIP and CSK last time met during the 55th match of the IPL 2019 at Mohali where the Punjab franchise won by six wickets.
IPL 2020, Match 18: Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings (KXIP vs CSK) – Toss Report
Kings XI Punjab captain KL Rahul won the toss and decided to bat first. They made three changes in the playing XI. Mandeep Singh, Harpreet Brar and Chris Jordan replaced Karun Nair, Krishnappa Gowtham and James Neesham.
Rahul said, “We’ll bat first. Looks a pretty good wicket, hope it gets a little slower too. If we put a big total, it will put some pressure on them. Lots of positives to think of and be proud of. It can all change quickly. We need to get the momentum. We have three changes.”
Meanwhile, CSK captain MS Dhoni has confirmed that they are starting with the same playing XI.
Dhoni said, “I think we have played decent cricket. We need to get a good start and we need to get better at the death. It’s easier to break things into smaller stuff. We are playing with the same team, happy with the same combination. The side looks balanced and it looks good.”
IPL 2020, Match 18: Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings (KXIP vs CSK) – Playing XIs
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP): KL Rahul (C/wk), Mayank Agarwal, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Sarfaraz Khan, Chris Jordan, Harpreet Brar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Sheldon Cottrell
Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Faf du Plessis, MS Dhoni (C/wk), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur, Piyush Chawla, Deepak Chahar