IPL 2018: Match 12, Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings - Expectation vs Reality

Chennai Super Kings will hope to continue their winning momentum against Kings XI Punjab before they arrive at their ‘adopted home’ for this season, Pune. In the two matches they played so far, they managed to steal victory in last over thrillers justifying why they picked experienced match-winners. Right now, their primary concern is slotting someone in place of the injured Suresh Raina and making sure David Willey gets a spot in the Playing XI.

Kings XI Punjab won their first match against Delhi Daredevils comfortably but fell short against Royal Challengers Bangalore in a closely fought contest. While their batting looks sorted except for the fact that Mayank Agarwal is yet to fire and there is pressure on them to take a call on Yuvraj Singh, they will also have to take a call on whether they want to continue with three spinners or add another pacer.

Both sides also have several positives to take, for example, Shane Watson’s and Dwayne Bravo’s form for CSK while KL Rahul and Mujeeb ur Rehman shine for KXIP. It will be particularly interesting to see Ravichandran Ashwin playing against his former team. Here are our expectations for the team, what are yours?

Mujeeb will continue to impress

The 17-year-old bowler from Khost, Afghanistan showed a teaser of why he became a millionaire in his first season in IPL. He had already picked two wickets in the game against Delhi Daredevils but a peach of a delivery that he bowled to dismiss Virat Kohli at Chinnaswamy will be one to remember.

Getting the big fish and being able to breach the gate of a well-set batsman such as Kohli would give him immense confidence to bowl against CSK. Even players that can tonk spinners with ease will have to play out a couple of his spells to figure out how to deal with him. Expect him to continue giving you a sight to remember tomorrow.

Rayudu to take charge

In the two matches he played so far, he looked in good touch. However, despite his good starts, he hasn’t been able to do anything that is extraordinary. Expect that to change against KXIP. With Suresh Raina missing, Rayudu will have to take responsibility at the top itself and allow Watson to do the hitting while he plays sensibly.

It does not mean that he gives up the attacking role completely but let Watson do the bulk of the hitting. A solid opening partnership can probably assure CSK a game that does not go down the wire. While Dwayne Bravo came good against MI, Sam Billings came good against KKR, but CSK will be looking to play to their potential without relying on their lower middle order to bail them out each time.