Indian T20 League 2021: Match 8 - Punjab vs Chennai - MPL Fantasy Cricket Tips, Prediction, Playing XI, and Pitch Report

Match Details

Match 8 – Punjab vs Chennai

Date and Time – April 16, 2021; 7:30 PM

Venue – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Preview

The 8th match of the Indian T20 League will see Punjab locking horns against Chennai this season for the first time. Both the teams are coming into this game with contrasting fortunes. While Punjab won a close game against Rajasthan, the MS Dhoni-led side went down to Delhi. Interestingly, Chennai defeated Punjab in both the games last season and they will be keen on continuing their domination.

Probable Playing XIs

Punjab

KL Rahul (C & WK), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Shahrukh Khan, Jhye Richardson, Murugan Ashwin, Riley Meredith, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.

Chennai

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (C & WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar.

Top Picks

KL Rahul (Punjab)

KL Rahul looked in brilliant touch in the previous game scoring 91 runs off just 50 balls with seven fours and five sixes and only got out in the last over after opening the innings. He was the Orange cap winner in the last season too and is known for his consistent scores at the top of the order. Expect Rahul to continue his good run with the bat and score big for his side even in this game.

Suresh Raina (Chennai)

Suresh Raina sacrificed his favourite number three slot in the previous game for Moeen Ali. The move worked for both the players with Raina smashing a brilliant half-century. He scored 54 off just 36 balls with three fours and four sixes helping Chennai recover from a poor start. Raina is hungry for more runs and would be itching to continue in the same vein.

X-Factor Player

Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh bowls at the death which gives him a chance to pick more wickets. The left-arm seamer impressed in the last season as well and defended well in the final over of the previous game too. Arshdeep will be the X-Factor player in MPL again as he would look to add to his tally of three wickets in this game.

Fantasy teams

Fantasy Playing XI No.1 for Head to Head/Small Leagues

KL Rahul (C), Suresh Raina (VC), Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.

Fantasy Playing XI No.2 for Mega/Grand Leagues

KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Chris Gayle (C), Mayank Agarwal, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran (VC), Dwayne Bravo, Jhye Richardson, Arshdeep Singh.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.