Chennai Super Kings meet their tormentors from last season as they welcome Kings XI Punjab in Saturday’s second match. George Bailey led KXIP got the better of Dhoni & Co in all three meetings last season, with Glenn Maxwell tearing apart them in the league meetings, while,Sehwag and Vohra ruled in the eliminator to progress to the final. Rain forecasts in Chennai are a dampener to the clash, but lets hope the skies do’t open up.
CSK recovered from their hiccup against RR, as they returned to winning ways at the expense of RCB. Suresh Raina was at his best as he stroked with ease for a 32 ball 62. He produced one of the most memorable IPL innings ever, when he smashed a 25 ball 87 and was dismissed by a run out. Dwayne Smith has looked steady, but McCullum has failed to fire in the last two matches, falling to leg spinners. Faf Du Plessis provided the finish last time out and with Dhoni and Dwayne Bravo too, they have a batting line up to fear.
Kings XI Punjab matches CSK with their batting strength on paper , but performances have not been forthcoming. Only skipper Bailey has been among the runs on a regular basis, though his replacement in the last match Shaun Marsh produced a MoM display against RR.It remains to be seen how Kings XI asdjust their overseas composition to accommodate the two.Manan Vohra has still not got a chance, but the trio of Sehwag, Vijay and Saha needs to step up and give the team a good start.
Its the bowling department that worries both the teams. The CSK spinners are having a horrible time and its a surprise that they still hold a place in the starting XI.As for Punjab, Sandeep Sharma has been impressive this season too, but the other bowlers have failed to support him adequately, especially Mitchell Johnson who was supposed to spearhead the bowling.
One of CSK’s biggest strengths is their agility on the field, which reflects in excellent running between the wickets and outstanding catching which was on display in their match against RCB.Kings XI will have to show some of the form of last season though, if they are to overcome Dhoni’s men at home.
srikantkk 