IPL 2020: Match 53 – CSK vs KXIP – KXIP Predicted Playing XI

The 53rd match of the Indian Premier League will take place between Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab. While CSK would play just for the spirit of the game, KXIP need to dominate the game in order to seal their playoffs berth. The way they bounced back in the tournament was commendable as they had five victories on the trot, but their last game against Rajasthan has again jolted them a bit.

Even after placing a high target, they failed to defend it vs RR. They need to come up strong against Chennai as they are coming after two straight victories. With the team looking in quite a balanced state, not many changes are expected in their coming matches. Mayank Agarwal’s comeback is still under question, and in his absence, the team would have to carry the game in high spirits, the way they did till now.

Here’s the KXIP Predicted Playing XI against CSK

Openers (KL Rahul and Mandeep Singh)

The skipper KL Rahul is leaving no stone unturned to lead his team in the best manner possible. He is perfect with his decisions, best in contributing runs, and does well on the field too. The orange cap holder for long is sure to lead his team with all the confidence against MS Dhoni and company.

Though Mandeep was caught too early on a dangerous ball by Jofra Archer in the last match, his contribution to the team in earlier matches has been commendable. In one of the earlier matches, the team rode on the back of his stunning inning to get over the line. He would try to do his best while opening with the skipper.

Middle-order (Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, and Deepak Hooda)

He is known as Universe Boss for a reason. If Punjab posted a big score in their latest match, it was Gayle who smashed 99 off 63 to make KXIP look dangerous. One of the most explosive batsmen of the T20 format would surely be taken up by the team to strengthen their squad in the rest of the matches.

Pooran has turned to be the team’s hero whenever quick runs are required immediately. In the last game too, he scored 22 off 10 to boost the innings of Punjab. He is likely to remain with the squad for the coming up game. In the same manner, Deepak Hooda might walk up with the team to provide the middle order strength to the team. He has not got many chances to prove himself till now.

All-rounder (Glenn Maxwell)

Glenn Maxwell has received too much backing from his Team Management despite his dipping form. He is still to show anything significant with either bat or ball in the IPL 2020 season. He may get another chance against CSK owing to his all the experience and form in earlier seasons.

Bowlers (Mohammed Shami, Chris Jordan, Arshdeep Singh, Murugan Ashwin, and Ravi Bishnoi)

The bowling unit of Punjab remained dismal in the last game as they failed to scalp wickets at regular intervals. Even pace star Shami remained wicketless and turned quite expensive for the team. Another pacer Jordan was the most costly affair for the team and got a wicket in his bag. Both the pacers are likely to help their team seal the playoffs berth in the next clash. Arshdeep Singh can also be retained by the team owing to his ability to swing the ball impressively.

Murugan Ashwin and Ravi Bishnoi would manage the spin section of Punjab to take them home. Young Bishnoi turned out to be the most economical one from the team’s side. KXIP need to come up with a better bowling show in the next game, and all of them would have to show the required form.