With the group stage of IPL 2021 nearing an end, let us take a look at today’s first fixture of the doubleheader. Chennai Super Kings will take on Punjab Kings at the Dubai International Stadium at 3:30 pm IST. Chennai have already secured qualification to the playoffs meanwhile, Punjab’s chances of qualifying look very brim.
Chennai Super Kings
As this is the last league game, Chennai might make few changes to rest their players. However, it is unlikely that they will alter a lot as they will aim for a win today and secure their second spot on the table. Until the last two games, CSK had delivered some flawless performances. So they would try to enter into the playoffs with a win against Punjab as it would boost their confidence.
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings will be very upset as they lost a great chance to win against Bangalore and maintain their hope of qualifying for the playoffs. As of now they need to win by a significant margin and hope that Mumbai and Kolkata both lose their games comprehensively. PBKS might make a few changes in their batting order as they misfired against RCB.
Prediction for the IPL 2021 match between Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings
Chennai will try their best to enter into the playoffs on a winning note as a win today would confirm their spot in the top two of the table. Consequently, they are expected to topple this Punjab side that is heavily dependant on their captain KL Rahul and opener Mayank Agarwal.
Fantasy XI for this IPL 2021 Match
Ruturaj Gaikwad Vice Captain 9.5 Cr
Apart from a early dismissal in the last game, Gaikwad has been Chennai’s most consistent batter. The opener is currently second on the top run getters list this season and will be looking for a big score today to cross KL Rahul in the list. So I have selected Gaikwad as the vice-captain.
Ambati Rayudu 8.5 Cr
Ambati Rayudu has helped Chennai finish games on a strong note. The Csk batsman seems to have flourished in a new role of finishing. Considering he has played great knocks for them in second half of the innings. As a result, he will be vital if Csk needs to chase a big total or post a gigantic score against Punjab.
KL Rahul Captain 11 Cr
KL Rahul has been terrific for the Punjab Kings upfront. The opener has lead the team in every game and has helped his side to get into great positions. Therefore it is likely that the PBKS captain will deliver a similar kind of performance to maintain his top spot in the orange cap list. As a result, I have selected him as my fantasy XI captain
Mayank Agarwal 9.5 Cr
Agarwal played an exceptional knock for PBKS against RCB in the last game. The opener is in great form this season and will likely try to continue his flamboyant style of scoring in the last game of Punjab’s IPL 2021.
Shardul Thakur 8.5 Cr
Shardul Thakur has been Chennai’s leading wicket taker this season. The medium fast bowler has given Csk important breakthroughs and has changed the course of the game. Therefore Thakur’s selection in the side was pretty obvious.
Arshdeep Singh 8.5 Cr
Arshdeep had a poor game against Rcb in Punjab’s last fixture. However, other than the previous game the fast bowler has bowled extremely well and picked up wickets when it mattered most. Therefore I have selected him for today’s game.
Mohammed Shami 9 cr
Despite going for runs, Shami pulled back Punjab Kings in the final over by picking three wickets. Therefore the pacer will once again play a big role in the death overs against a stacked Chennai batting lineup.
Ravindra Jadeja 9.5 Cr
Ravindra Jadeja is consistently bowling good spells for Chennai and he had a good outing against Delhi as he picked up two wickets for 28 runs in his four overs. As a result, the all rounder is a great choice as he can also give points through his batting and fielding.
Moeen Ali 9 Cr
Moeen Ali’s all-around abilities has stabilized Chennai’s ship throughout this season. The English all-rounder has contributed 25-40 runs in most games which makes a big difference.
Ravi Bishnoi 8.5 Cr
Bishnoi performed badly against Rcb but the leg spinner will certainly make a great impact against the likes of Gaikwad and Du Plessis. Hence his spell against Csk will be crucial.
Moises Henriques 8.5 Cr
Henriques was brilliant with the ball against RCB in Punjab’s last game. The medium pacer picked up two back to back wickets of Kohli and Paddikal to help his side slow down Bangalore’s run rate. The Aussie will play a big role in today’s fixture as he will get the job of bowling in the middle overs.
