Match 56 - Chennai vs Punjab: CrickingDuels Fantasy Guide

This CrickingDuels Fantasy guide is for the match 51 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season which will be played between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). The hosts have already qualified for the playoffs but might be hurting with the loss at the hands of Delhi. They will be eager to get back to the winning momentum even as their opposition is in a desperate position to win big in order to qualify. However, they will need their big guns to fire to have any chance of even beating the Men in Yellow.

MCA Stadium in Pune has dished out two different kinds of surfaces this year but given that this is the end of the season, the pitch might be on the slower side. When the wicket is assisting slower bowlers, MS Dhoni comes into his own zone as far as his captaincy is concerned. Also, if the pitch is flat, the likes of Shane Watson should look to go bonkers which also bring the chances of Punjab’s batsmen going against the bowlers. Here we bring to you the CrickingDuels Fantasy guide for the game:

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Kings XI Punjab (KXIP):

Batsmen

Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina are the two batsmen I am going in with as far as CSK is concerned. While one of them is consistent throughout the season, the latter is struggling and is expected to find his groove in this match. Chris Gayle is a risky player to have but one can’t afford not picking him as well. Aaron Finch is my other pick who struck form at a crucial stage in the game. There are other batsmen who one can pick but looking at the current form, these are the best of the lot.

All-Rounders

If CSK is playing in Pune, it is a no-brainer to go with Shane Watson. He has been exceptional at this venue this year and would be eager to sign off in style going into the knockouts. With an anticipation of slow pitch on offer, I am going with Ravindra Jadeja here which is a risk. But if he starts picking wickets, it will be tough to stop him as well. R Ashwin bowled well against Mumbai and took the responsibility at the death also picking wickets at crunch situations.

Wicketkeeper

There is no doubt here. Though MS Dhoni has been the finisher for his team and is in great form, KL Rahul is the lynchpin of Punjab batting magnificently. He thrives when put under the pump and his best knock might just be on the way. There is also a possibility that he might fail given the way Deepak Chahar swings the ball up front. Dhoni could be a useful option here but with my gut feeling, I am going for Rahul.

Bowlers

Deepak Chahar is the only bowler from CSK I have in my team as he can swing the new cherry and pile on the agony for the batsmen. Andrew Tye is a purple cap holder and not having him in the Fantasy team is no less than a crime right now. Mujeeb Ur Rahman sat out of the last game due to an injury and he should make a come back which will surely bolster the bowling attack for the visitors. Interestingly, both the Punjab bowlers have to keep picking wickets for them to have any chance of qualifying.

Note: You can also join the Hybrid Fantasy League introduced for the first time by CrickingDuels.

So here’s our final CrickingDuels Fantasy team for this game: