Preview

PBKS vs CSK: The Punjab Kings started their season with a lot of sparks. They were full of intent and quickly raced to a couple of strong wins. They beat the Chennai Super Kings as well in their last encounter, but their results after that win didn’t turn out so well. Punjab Kings style of batting aggressively throughout hasn’t gone so well with their middle-order failing, and that is a key reason as to why they are stuck on six points after seven games.

The Chennai Super Kings have won two of their last three games but will feel that they should have won a couple more given the situations they got themselves into. While CSK has lost a few games that they should have won, they have also won a game that they almost messed up. Chasing against Mumbai, CSK looked comfortable until a slow down, in the end, saw them stare at defeat. A cameo from Dwaine Pretorious and a vintage last-over finish from MS Dhoni saved CSK and helped them move a small step forward.

After dropping Moeen Ali, CSK will be pleased to see MS Dhoni in form as it helps give the line-up confidence down the order. PBKS has its own issues to sort through with the middle order struggling to occupy the crease.

Match Details

Match: PBKS vs CSK

Date: 25th April 2022

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Weather Report

The forecast is clear with temperatures in the 20s while there is no rain in the forecast for the PBKS vs CSK game.

Pitch Report

The Wankhede surface is showing signs of wear as the ball seems to be gripping and turning more. The grass on the surface still helps bowlers attain some swing early on, but spin is slowly starting to play a big factor in the game. With the ball taking more turn, batting first is a better option. Previolus results also suggest batting first is better, but with dew around batting second is still the better option and the team batting second will have an advantage especially if there is dew during the PBKS vs CSK game.

PBKS vs CSK Predicted Playing XI

PBKS Playing XI

Mayank Agarwal (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow/Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Nathan Ellis/Odean Smith, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Vaibhav Arora, 11 Arshdeep Singh

CSK Playing XI

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (capt), Dwayne Bravo, Mitchell Santner, Dwaine Pretorius, Maheesh Theekshana, Mukesh Choudhary

Team News

• CSK is likely to remain unchanged.

• PBKS may bring in Rajapaksa for Jonny Bairstow. Rajapaksa was in good form before making way and with Bairstow struggling the could get his chance again.

Key Players

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is far from his usual self this season. The captaincy pressure seems to be getting to him and he is struggling desperately with the bat. With CSK looking to make a move up the table though, they need Ravindra Jadeja more than anyone in the line-up. He is struggling in all three aspects and will be hoping to play with some intent and confidence in the upcoming game as he looks to regain form.

Liam Livingstone

PBKS are struggling to build on their fast start and needs a change in approach in the middle order. With Liam Livingstone batting well, PBKS could look to him for some hope while finishing innings. He is in good form, finding sixes with ease, but the middle-order has struggled to make use of his starts.

PBKS vs CSK Match Tips

CSK is coming off a decent performance with the ball and may have what it takes to reduce the explosive PBKS. However, the lack of strike bowlers and consistency may affect them if PBKS find their stride. PBKS bat deep and if the opponents are not too accurate they will have a strong chance at a crushing win.

Match Prediction: PBKS will win the match.