IPL 2023: Match 41, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Predicted Playing XI vs Punjab Kings

Following a loss against Rajasthan Royals, MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are gearing up for their ninth assignment of the Indian Premier League 2023 season. CSK will lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, April 30. Speaking about their head-to-head records in the last five matches, Punjab have a slight edge as they have won on three occasions to CSK’s two.

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However, Punjab have failed to have a consistent season and are placed sixth on the points table with eight points. On the other hand, CSK are on course to make a spot in the playoffs assuming they continue their fine run in the league. Placed fourth with 10 points in the standings, MS Dhoni and Co. will be vying to add two more points and sit on top of the table.

Here's Chennai Super Kings’ probable playing XI against Punjab Kings:

Openers: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway

Ruturaj Gaikwad has had a decent season thus far, however, in the last three games he has not been able to convert his runs into bigger scores. He got 35, 35, and 47 runs in the last three matches and will be gunning to score big in the upcoming match against the Kings.

Devon Conway is relishing a magnificent season in the top-tier league as he has scored big on numerous occasions for the yellow outfit. Though he was dismissed for just eight runs against the Royals, Conway will be raring to get back to his fine touch and help lay solid foundations in the top order.

Middle-order: Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (c & wk)

In his last four outings donning the yellow outfit, Shivam Dube has been at his lethal best for the franchise. The southpaw seems to have found his rhythm after enduring a dismal start to the season and has compiled scores of 50, 50, and 52 in the last outings.

He will look to continue targeting the rival bowlers and get the important runs for his side in the coming matches. With a terrific average of 44.80 and an impressive strike rate of 189.83, Ajinkya Rahane has collected 224 runs in six outings thus far.

His change in approach towards batting seems to have paid dividends and he will look to play his aggressive role against Punjab in the next match. MS Dhoni has been razor-sharp behind the wicket and it is not surprising that many of his on-field decisions have worked wonders for the side.

The skipper will be eyeing to add another win in the forthcoming match and get on top of the points table. In addition to this, Dhoni will aim to get the big runs down the order assuming he gets his chance with the bat.

All-rounders: Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja

Both Moeen Ali and star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja relished a fine outing with the ball against RR in their previous clash. While Jadeja gave 32 runs in his four overs and also took a wicket, Moeen on the other hand, gave 17 runs in his two overs.

However, the pair failed to get the big runs coming down the order as Moeen got 23 off 12 balls with two fours and as many sixes. On the flip side, Jadeja remained unbeaten in his 15-ball 23 but could not help CSK to the finish line during the chase.

With that said, Jadeja is currently in contention for the IPL Purple Cap as he has claimed 11 wickets in eight outings and will be hungry to add more in the forthcoming matches. Moreover, the pair of Moeen and Jadeja can prove to be lethal in the middle order so as to get the big runs.

Bowlers: Matheesha Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Akash Singh

The bowling unit in the previous match against the Royals proved to leak quite a lot of runs which led to the rival side attending a humongous total. However, Maheesh Theekshana was the only bowler in the line-up with economical bowling figures, as he gave away mere 24 runs in his four overs with one scalp to his name.

On the other hand, Akash Singh was given just two overs upon which the pacer leaked 32 runs without any scalps at an economy of 16.00. Matheesha Pathirana, too, proved to be an easy target for the Royals as he gave away 48 runs in four overs with no wickets under his belt.

Despite getting two wickets against the Royals, Tushar Deshpande too was hammered, as he gave away 42 runs in his four overs. The bowling unit will look to have an improved outing against Punjab Kings in the forthcoming match.

Chennai Super Kings Probable Playing XI:

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Matheesha Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Akash Singh

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Probable Impact Players:

Ambati Rayudu, Dwaine Pretorius, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Mitchell Santner, Shaik Rasheed