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IPL 2019: CSK vs KXIP Preview Dream11 Prediction. Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab Preview Dream11 Prediction

Preview co-written by N.S. Shekhawat

It was quite the incredible fourth game of IPL 2019 for both these sides. CSK finally lost a game, and now are back to their home ground. KXIP plucked victory from what looked like certain defeat. If you decided to switch the television off or change channels because DC were cruising too easily, no one could have blamed you. So, what does this game have in store?

Chennai Super Kings will be looking to get back in the winners circle. Mumbai is always a test for CSK, of which they weren’t able to pass last game. Their top order crumbled early again, and Dhoni wasn’t able to rescue the cause. His innings was slow, which hurt along with Suresh Raina and Dwayne Bravo’s slightly slow start to the tournament. However, it shouldn’t take too much gloss off what has been a strong start to their title defence, and now welcome a side looking to leapfrog them on the IPL 2019 table. Will CSK bounce back?

Kings XI Punjab have made a good start to IPL 2019, just as they did last season. They are looking more balanced, with their middle order stepping up to the cause when needed. Indeed, they stared defeat right in the face vs DC, but took a scarcely-believable 7/8 to steal victory. Led by Sam Curran, KXIP showed that they won’t give in without a fight. Those qualities have to be on show as they travel to Chennai to play the current champions. Can KXIP make a big statement?

Also read: Funny Cricket Tweets March 2019 Edition! 20 hilarious cricket tweets.

Key to CSK win

CSK’s batting was considered a huge strength ahead of IPL 2019. However, their top order has not fired, culminating in a second collapse vs MI. Their performance was really disappointing, which puts the onus on Shane Watson and Suresh Raina to deliver a strong start. Ambati Rayudu looks completely out of form, so CSK have a significant problem there which needs addressing. Is it time for Faf du Plessis? Can MS Dhoni, who was excellent against an arguably weaker RR attack, fire against KXIP’s lineup of spinners? It will be interesting to see how CSK go against Punjab.

With the ball, CSK will be mostly pleased with proceedings. Deepak Chahar continues to showcase himself as the powerplay specialist, and with an experienced battery of spinners up Dhoni’s sleeve, CSK can look to heap pressure on KXIP’s middle order. The wickets of the top three will be key, which can then set up CSK for a good death period. CSK were good for 17 overs against MI, until some poor death bowling by Dwayne Bravo turned the momentum. Now, Bravo is out with a hamstring injury, so CSK need to hold their own at the death.

Key to a KXIP win

N.S. Shekhawat highlights three key things for KXIP to get right in this match:

• Don’t allow Deepak Chahar to bowl all his four overs straight away. KXIP’s openers have to attack him, forcing Dhoni to change his strategy.
• Rotate the strike well against the spinners. It is crucial for KXIP to not try to take 12-14 off an over. Instead, effective rotation of strike can bring in eight runs an over in the middle overs, which then sets up the death overs. With CSK’s seamers not as prolific as their spinners, a fine opportunity awaits KXIP.
• Bat first if given the opportunity and bat well. Open with Sam Curran, as he was mighty dangerous last time out.

Also, can KXIP’s bowlers cause some more headaches for CSK? Sam Curran, who was out of this world vs DC, will be key against the CSK top order, along with Mohammed Shami. With the two Ashwins and Mujeeb ur Rahman in the ranks, any sign of turn can be taken advantage of nicely. Will KXIP continue their rise up the table?

Possible Playing 11

Ambati Rayudu has been in awful form. It remains to be seen whether CSK pick him. Also, as the Chennai pitch could suit spinners more, Harbhajan Singh could come in for Mohit Sharma. Dwayne Bravo is out for two weeks with a hamstring strain, so Scott Kuggeleijn could come in.

CSK: 1. Shane Watson, 2. Faf du Plessis/Ambati Rayudu, 3. Suresh Raina, 4. Kedar Jadhav, 5. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 6. Scott Kuggeleijn, 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. Deepak Chahar, 9. Shardul Thakur, 10. Harbhajan Singh, 11. Imran Tahir

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With Sarfaraz Khan, David Miller and Mandeep Singh all playing well, KXIP have no reason to change their team from the last game. Chris Gayle might have to wait his turn.

KXIP: 1. KL Rahul (wk), 2. Sam Curran, 3. Mayank Agarwal, 4. Sarfaraz Khan, 5. David Miller, 6. Mandeep Singh, 7. Hardus Vilijoen/CV Varun, 8. Ravichandran Ashwin (c), 9. Murugan Ashwin, 10. Mohammed Shami, 11. Mujeeb ur Rahman

Dream11 Prediction

Opinion: Pros and cons of Dream11’s deadline time decision.

Key stats and points:

• The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium suits spin bowlers. With KXIP possessing capable spinners themselves, CSK will likely guard against a big turner. However, it is expected to be slow.
• Suresh Raina scored 61* (48) in his last innings vs KXIP. His record vs KXIP is outstanding, scoring 744 runs at 43.76, with a SR of 155.65.
• Shane Watson has had a slow start to IPL 2019 (0, 44, 13, 5). Pick him if you feel it is his day. Kedar Jadhav is coming off a half century vs MI, and is worth looking at.
• KL Rahul had a superb IPL 2018 overall, but a quiet time vs CSK (37 and 7). His start to IPL 2019 has been slow, but the battle between he and Deepak Chahar will be huge.
• Sam Curran offers good value after such a brilliant performance vs DC. Will he go well again?
• MS Dhoni vs KXIP in IPL 2018: 79* (44) and 16* (7). Pick MS if CSK bat first.
• Sarfaraz Khan in IPL 2019: 46*, 13, 39. Mayank Agarwal has also looked impressive, scoring 22, 58 and 43 before his 6 vs DC.
• Mandeep Singh is yet to be dismissed in IPL 2019: 5*, 33*, 29*.
• Ravi Ashwin returns to CSK where he enjoyed plenty of success: 43 wickets at 19.53 (econ. 6.02).
• Imran Tahir vs KXIP: 6 matches, 11 wickets, average: 17.82.
• Mohammed Shami hit some form with 2/27 last game. Worth considering vs a CSK top order not at its best.

Option 1:

Option 2:

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-head: CSK 11, KXIP 8.
• The winner of this match will go top of the IPL 2019 table.
• CSK never lost two games in a row in IPL 2018.

Match Prediction

The battle between the calmness of MS Dhoni and out-of-the-box approach of Ravi Ashwin should make for interesting viewing.

With KXIP getting key contributions from their middle order, N.S. Shekhawat picks them for a win at Chennai. For me, though, I think CSK will prevail thanks to their prowess at home.

Thanks for reading!

Also read: Funny Cricket Tweets March 2019 Edition! 20 hilarious cricket tweets.