Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to make their debut appearance at the scenic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. This event is scheduled for Sunday, May 5th, where they will face off against the reigning champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
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PBKS vs CSK: Match Preview
Dharamsala holds significant historical importance in the enduring legacy of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL. In a pivotal match back in 2010, amidst a must-win situation, MS Dhoni famously rescued the team with a thrilling last-over finish, propelling Chennai into the playoffs. This remarkable victory marked the beginning of their journey towards claiming their inaugural IPL title. Now, 14 years later, CSK faces a familiar challenge as they head to Dharamsala.
While the current situation may not mirror the panic of 2010, the defending champions understand the gravity of their position as the playoff race intensifies. With each slip-up, their hopes of qualification are at risk. Despite a promising start to the season, boasting four wins in six games, CSK suffered three losses in their subsequent four matches, including two defeats on their home turf at Chepauk. Compared to their dominant performance in 2023, concerns have arisen regarding their batting strategy this year, notably the over-reliance on Shivam Dube during the middle overs. Additionally, the powerplay phase has lacked explosiveness, compounded by Ajinkya Rahane’s inconsistent form.
While the consistent form of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad offers some reassurance, CSK must address the overall tempo of their batting, particularly in a season where boundary-hitting has been emphasized by rival teams. CSK has also been hindered by unfavorable dew conditions, further challenging their already inconsistent batting lineup. However, with this match scheduled as an afternoon fixture, such conditions should not serve as an excuse. Furthermore, their bowling unit has also struggled with inconsistency, partly due to injuries plaguing the team.
On the other hand, Punjab Kings enter the upcoming match with a surge of confidence. Following their remarkable achievement of completing the highest-ever T20 run chase at the Eden Gardens against KKR, their victory over CSK at Chepauk served as a catalyst, propelling them towards the crucial phase of the tournament. While they may exhibit volatility, particularly in their batting lineup, Punjab Kings pose a formidable challenge when they hit their stride. Initially, their concerns revolved around top-order failures and inefficiencies in death bowling. Consequently, uncapped players such as Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma stepped up admirably to fill the void.
The resurgence of Jonny Bairstow has significantly bolstered their batting lineup, complemented by Rilee Rossouw’s contributions. This resurgence has eased the pressure on the middle order, allowing it to operate smoothly. Moreover, their bowling unit has shown adaptability, adjusting to varying conditions as required. Although Punjab Kings still concede runs during certain phases, their ability to take wickets has improved, enabling them to contain opposition scoring, especially on flat batting tracks.
With momentum, confidence, and the advantage of playing at home, Punjab Kings confront a CSK side struggling to regain their footing in the tournament. The clash between Chennai’s bowling prowess and Punjab’s batting firepower promises to be a pivotal subplot in this fixture.
In Terms Of Recent Form:
Punjab Kings WWLLL (last five matches, most recent first)
Chennai Super Kings LWLLW
PBKS vs CSK: Pitch Report & Conditions
The pitch at Dharamsala has traditionally favored fast bowlers, particularly during the early stages of the match. Spinners typically play a minimal role, and as the game progresses, batsmen find it easier to score due to the altitude, making it conducive to quick scoring.
Leading up to IPL 2024, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium has introduced a new hybrid pitch, a pioneering initiative in India. This pitch, crafted with modern technology, is anticipated to offer consistent bounce throughout the game’s duration. Despite prevailing humid conditions in other venues, Dharamsala promises a more favorable environment, with temperatures hovering around 23 degrees Celsius. Although there’s a 60% chance of rain, the match is expected to proceed uninterrupted, thanks to the stadium’s efficient drainage system. Being an afternoon fixture, dew is not expected to be a factor.
In the past seven years, Dharamsala has hosted only two T20 matches, both witnessing high scores, at least by pre-IPL 2024 standards. In PBKS’s previous encounter here in 2023, Rossouw, playing for the opposition, showcased an impressive innings, scoring 82 not out off 37 balls as Delhi Capitals posted 213 for 2, securing a 15-run victory. With the temperature projected to be around 27°C for this afternoon game, conditions appear conducive for an exciting match.
PBKS vs CSK: Head-to-head
- Matches Played: 29
- Punjab Kings won: 14
- Chennai Super Kings Won: 15
- No Result: 00
- First Played: 19 April, 2008
- Last Played: 1 May, 2024
In their previous meeting, Punjab Kings chose to bowl first and managed to restrict Chennai Super Kings to a total of 162 for 7. This impressive bowling performance was spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, and Rahul Chahar, who maintained an economy rate of less than a run per ball. Subsequently, Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw led the chase for Punjab Kings, guiding their team to victory with 2.1 overs to spare.
PBKS vs CSK: Team News and Impact Player Strategy
Punjab Kings
Despite Shikhar Dhawan not being fully fit, PBKS is likely to maintain their winning combination for the upcoming game. Prabhsimran Singh and Arshdeep Singh are anticipated to remain their Impact Player options.
The top order of CSK has heavily relied on Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has shown susceptibility against left-arm pace, having fallen five times in 89 deliveries. Arshdeep Singh and Sam Curran from PBKS could exploit this weakness with the new ball. CSK is not expected to make any changes to their playing squad for this fixture.
Predicted XII:
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Jonny Bairstow
- Rilee Rossouw
- Shashank Singh
- Sam Curran (capt)
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Harpreet Brar
- Harshal Patel
- Kagiso Rabada
- Arshdeep Singh
- Rahul Chahar
Chennai Super Kings
Tushar Deshpande, who missed the previous game due to flu, is expected to be available for selection. However, with Deepak Chahar injured and Mustafizur Rahman on national duty for Bangladesh, CSK will need to adjust their bowling combination. It’s likely that either Maheesh Theekshana or Mitchell Santner will come into the side, while Mukesh Choudhary may get his second appearance of the season. Ajinkya Rahane and Mukesh Choudhary could be considered as their options for Impact Player. Matheesha Pathirana is anticipated to return after missing the last game due to a minor injury.
Matheesha Pathirana has been particularly effective in the middle overs (7-15) this season, boasting an impressive economy rate of 5.46 and claiming eight wickets from just 78 deliveries bowled, with a striking strike rate of 9.75. His role will be crucial in containing PBKS’ middle-order batsmen, especially Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma. With Mustafizur’s absence, Pathirana’s return is expected to directly slot into the XI. If Deshpande fails to recover, Mukesh Choudhary is likely to replace the injured Deepak Chahar.
Predicted XII:
- Ajinkya Rahane
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Shivam Dube
- Moeen Ali
- Ravindra Jadeja
- MS Dhoni (wk)
- Shardul Thakur
- Tushar Deshpande
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Mukesh Choudhary
PBKS vs CSK: Players Under The Spotlight
PBKS- Harpreet Brar
Harpreet Brar may have only secured six wickets in ten games, but his economy rate stands at an impressive 7.21. Among bowlers who have delivered at least 100 balls this season, only Jasprit Bumrah (6.25), Sunil Narine (6.72), and Krunal Pandya (7.20) have superior economy rates. Brar’s pivotal performance against CSK earlier in the week earned him the Player of the Match title, with figures of 2 for 17, including the dismissal of Shivam Dube for a first-ball duck.
CSK- Shivan Dube
The wicket of Shivam Dube proved critical as he has been CSK’s powerhouse in the middle overs. So far, he has amassed 350 runs at an impressive average of 50.00 and a striking strike rate of 171.56 this season. Gaikwad is the only other CSK batter to surpass the 200-run mark. Given that both PBKS spinners – Brar and Rahul Chahar – turn the ball into Dube, stopping him once he gets set could prove challenging.
PBKS vs CSK: Match Prediction
Scenario 1:
- Punjab Kings win the toss and bowl
- Power Play score: 55-65
- First Innings Score: 180-190
- Prediction: Punjab Kings win the match
Scenario 2:
- Chennai Super Kings win the toss and bowl
- Power Play score: 60-70
- First Innings Score: 190-200
- Prediction: Punjab Kings win the match
PBKS vs CSK: Dream 11 Fantasy Prediction
Team 1:
- Keeper: MS Dhoni, Jonny Bairstow
- Batsman: Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Shashank Singh
- All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran (VC)
- Bowlers: Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh
Team 2:
- Keeper: Jonny Bairstow
- Batsman: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube (VC), Shashank Singh
- All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran (C)
- Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel
When and Where to Watch the Match: Streaming & Broadcast Details
What: Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK), IPL 2024
When: 3:30 PM IST, Sunday – May 5
Where: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala
Where to watch PBKS vs CSK Live Streaming: JioCinema app for FREE
Where to watch PBKS vs CSK Live Telecast: Star Sports
