Kings XI Punjab have had a contrary tournament this year. While they were third on the points table in the first half, they have dropped down to the 7 th position now. Their chance to qualify for the playoffs is narrow as their run rate is very low. With a hope to make it through the playoffs, Punjab will take on Chennai in their last league match. Find the CSK vs KXIP Probable Final Playing 11 below.
Head-to- Head:
Overall: Matches – 19
Chennai Super Kings – 11
Kings XI Punjab – 8
Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
The MCA pitch is likely to be batting favorable. However, spinners come into action as the game progresses.
| Total matches | 37 |
| Matches won batting first | 18 |
| Matches won bowling first | 19 |
| Average 1st Inns scores | 159 |
| Average 2nd Inns scores | 143 |
| Highest total recorded | 211/4 (20 Ov) by CSK vs DD |
| Lowest total recorded | 73/10 (15.5 Ov) by KXIP vs RPS |
| Highest score chased | 196/7 (20 Ov) by GL vs RPS |
| Lowest score defended | 120/9 (20 Ov) by MI vs PWI |
(The above stats only include the IPL matches played at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune)
Fantasy Cricket Preview
Chennai Super Kings
Though CSK have qualified for the playoffs, they have been edgy in the last few games. Touted as one of the strongest teams in IPL 2018, faced a massive defeat against Delhi Daredevils. In their next match against KXIP, they will play to rectify their shortcomings and boost their confidence. It is high time Suresh Raina and Sam Billings regain their form. CSK’s bowling unit looks pretty strong, but still falters at the death. Imran Tahir could come in place of Harbhajan Singh
KXIP
KL Rahul has proven to be the key player for KXIP. When the rest of the batting lineup falters, his fiery shots are consistent. Middle order batting has been KXIP’s major reason for concern. Aaron Finch played a decent game against Mumbai. KXIP will think about promoting Yuvaraj Singh up the order. Marcus Stoinis, Karun Nair Manoj Tiwary and Mayank Agarwal need to shoulder their responsibility properly. Mujeeb ur Rahman’s injury has also affected Punjab. Except for Andrew Tye and R Ahswin, KXIP’s bowling unit are also irresolute.
CSK vs KXIP Probable Final Playing 11
| CSK | KXIP |
| Shane Watson | KL Rahul (wk) |
| Ambati Rayudu | Chris Gayle |
| Suresh Raina | Karun Nair |
| MS Dhoni (C & WK) | Aaron Finch |
| Sam Billings | Mayank Agarwal/ Yuvaraj Singh |
| Dwayne Bravo | Marcus Stoinis |
| Ravindra Jadeja | Axar Patel |
| Lungi Ngidi | R Ashwin © |
| Harbhajan Singh/ Imran Tahir | Ankit Rajpoot |
| Shardul Thakur | Andrew Tye |
| Deepak Chahar | Mohit Sharma |
