IPL 2020, Match 53: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) – Toss Report
Nov 1, 2020 at 3:28 PM
In the 53rd match of the IPL 2020, MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are facing KL Rahul-led Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium (Abu Dhabi).
Both teams are playing their last match of the league stage of this tournament. Chennai Super Kings are in the last position (8th position) in the IPL 2020 points table with 10 points (5 wins and 8 loses). As they have no hope left to qualify for the playoffs, it is their last match of this season.
On the other hand, Kings XI Punjab are in the 5th position in the IPL 2020 points table with 12 points (6 wins and 7 loses). It is their must-win game as a victory can help them to advance for the playoffs of this tournament.
It is their second meeting this season. During the 18th match of the IPL 2020 (at Dubai, DSC on 4th October 2020), they met for the first time in this season where CSK thrashed KXIP by 10 wickets.
IPL 2020, Match 53: Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab (CSK vs KXIP) – Toss Report
Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni won the toss and decided to field first. They made three changes in the playing XI as Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir and Shardul Thakur have joined as the replacement of Shane Watson, Mitchell Santner and Karn Sharma.
Dhoni said, “We will bowl first. Definitely not (when asked if it was his last game ever for CSK). They are under more pressure to win, we just want to turn up and keep fighting. I felt the boys did well to stay relevant, we want to put 100% into our game. We have a few changes. Faf, Tahir and Shardul in; they replace Watson, Santner and Karn.”
On the other hand, Kings XI Punjab captain KL Rahul confirmed that they made two changes in the playing XI. James Neesham and Mayank Agarwal replaced Glenn Maxwell and Arshdeep Singh.
Rahul said, “Key match, it’s pretty simple for us, go out, enjoy and win the game. They are both fit and they are both playing (when asked about Mandeep and Mayank). Maxi misses out, Neesham comes in, Arshdeep misses out for Mayank. My role is to make sure everyone bats around me – we have the firepower in Chris and Pooran, it’s important for us to get a good start.”
IPL 2020, Match 53: Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab (CSK vs KXIP) – Playing XI
Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (C/wk), N Jagadeesan, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP): KL Rahul (C/wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Mandeep Singh, James Neesham, Deepak Hooda, Chris Jordan, Murugan Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami