IPL 2019, Match 55, Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings - Kings XI Punjab Predicted Playing XI

A painful defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders has put the Kings XI Punjab very much out of the competition despite having a game in hand. Their net run-rate is pretty bad at this juncture and they might not be able to catch up with the likes of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders even if they get to 12 points.

Despite putting up a huge score on board, they faltered big time with the ball as a young Shubman Gill tore them apart and registered a match-winning 67. Their fielders didn’t chip in with a decent effort as well, which didn’t help their cause. Ashwin and company now chase a very wild dream, which can only be fulfilled if Sunrisers lose tonight and they defeat CSK by a huge margin.

They will be up against the Chennai Super Kings, against whom they played an absolute classic last season at Mohali. MS Dhoni registered his career-best score in IPL (Now second best) to almost seal a brilliant run chase. Punjab will have to bring out their A game to have any hopes of going to the next stage.

Openers – Chris Gayle, KL Rahul

The Universe Boss has can be a game-changer in this situation for the Kings XI. While they are chasing the impossible dream, it is important for them to score well in excess of 200 given they’re batting first. If Chris Gayle gets going and puts on a show at the PCA stadium, things might get a little interesting.

KL Rahul has been brilliant this season, once again registering over 500 runs for the team. He also registered his first IPL hundred this season at the Wankhede and is keen to produce something stellar for one final time this season. The Indian World Cup squad member is riding high on confidence and maybe will provide some fireworks.

Middle order – Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Mandeep Singh

Mayank Agarwal and Nicholas Pooran chipped in with a crucial partnership in the middle overs. Mayank Agarwal struggled to get going last season but has looked very compact this time. He is building good innings on regular intervals and if one of the openers get out early, there will be a huge responsibility on his shoulder.

Pooran has shown glimpses of what he can this season and surely will continue association with the team next season. For now, he needs to continue what he does best, which is to “Smash”. Mandeep Singh didn’t get a lot of opportunities this season to prove his worth but played a good cameo in Punjab’s last game.

All-rounders – Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin (C)

Sam Curran hasn’t had the most memorable debut for the Punjab side but has done enough to prove he is a bright future prospect. The youngster contributes one way or the other in the games he plays, which has earned the trust of Ashwin to make him bat at number six for the side.

Ashwin too has taken batting responsibility a bit seriously this time and played a couple of good cameos. He has been outstanding with the ball and has picked important wickets for the team at crucial points. The skipper needs to lead by example on this crucial day and we might see him take the new ball.

Bowlers – Murugan Ashwin, Ankit Rajpoot, Mohammed Shami, Hardus Viljoen

Two changes are expected in the fast bowling department with young Arshdeep Singh and Andrew Tye to receive a possible sacking. Ankit Rajpoot and Hardus Viljoen are expected to come in for these players. While Rajpoot had some good moments this season, Viljoen is yet to showcase his best to the KXIP fans.

Mohammed Shami has been their key bowler this season and will continue to be so. The speedster is looking to head to the World Cup with utmost confidence and is doing a great job thus far. Murugan Ashwin dropped an absolute sitter in the previous game, but he has done a decent job with his leg-breaks.

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