In the 8th match of the IPL 2021, Punjab Kings take on Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium. While CSK got off to a losing start for the first time since 2014, Punjab managed to win a thrilling game against Rajasthan Royals to get first points on the board.
Punjab’s famed batting lined up lived up to the expectations as they smashed the RR bowling attack to all corners of the Wankhede as they racked up 221 in their 20 overs. While KL Rahul and Chris Gayle were expected to fire, Deepak Hooda, who was promoted ahead of Nicholas Pooran at No. 4, played a game-changing knock as he smashed a stunning 28-ball 64 to set the tone. The bowlers conceded a lot of runs as well, but pacers Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh stood up and delivered to bowl Punjab to a win. Thus, Punjab will be high on confidence after that win, and their only concern will be the form of their overseas fast bowling duo, which they will hope gets better as the tournament progresses.
Meanwhile, CSK’s bowling attack lacked bite, and they barely looked threatening. The new-ball bowlers were carted around for fun while the spinners looked ineffective with the dew in full effect. The top-order also needs to come to the party and give solid starts on a high-scoring ground like Wankhede. Thus, MS Dhoni and co will be hoping for a better show, especially with the ball. Head coach Stephen Fleming mentioned that the overseas pace bowlers are unavailable for this game as well, and the Indian pacers will need to step up.
Key Players
Chris Gayle will be a crucial player for Punjab at No. 3. The Universe Boss has been batting well at his new one-down spot and seems to have added a different dimension to this PBKS line-up. He has scored 328 runs in eight innings at that spot in the IPL for Punjab. He looked in ominous touch in the first game against Rajasthan and scored 40 before holing out. He looked set for a lot more, and hence, the left-handed Jamaican will once again be the one to watch out for in this game. With the short boundaries and the flat track at Wankhede, if Gayle gets set, he can take the game away from CSK in no time.
It may not be obvious, but Arshdeep Singh might be vital with the ball for Punjab once again. The young left-arm fast bowler delivered in crunch moments in the first game and held his nerve beautifully to bowl Punjab to a four-run win in the first game against RR (taking 2/33 in four overs). He was highly impressive in the 2020 season as well, and his death-bowling skills to go with his calmness under pressure will once again be the key on a flat Wankhede pitch.
Faf du Plessis didn’t have a great start to the 2021 season as he was knocked over for a duck in the game against Delhi. However, his form at the top of the order is extremely critical to CSK’s chances. He topped the batting charts for CSK last season as he scored 449 runs averaging 40.81. With Wankhede producing batting beauties, it is imperative that CSK get off to a brisk and solid start at the top, which they couldn’t in the last game. Thus, du Plessis needs to fire at the top to set the platform.
Moeen Ali was used really well in the first game. CSK promoted him to No. 3 to give impetus to their innings, and he did the same. He scored 36 off 24 balls to get the innings back on track after a couple of early blows. The England off-spinning all-rounder will prove important for CSK with the bat as he can tonk it from the first ball and be the game-changer in the middle overs. Moreover, he is one of the only two spinners that CSK might play and hence, Ali will be crucial with the ball as well.
Prediction
CSK are well ahead as far as the head to head record is concerned. They have won 15 games while Punjab have returned with just nine wins against MS Dhoni and Co. In the last nine encounters between these two sides, CSK have won seven of them. Punjab had a clean slate against CSK only in 2014 when they had a fantastic run till the final, and they beat Super Kings thrice in the same season. Apart from that, it’s largely been the three-time champions who have dominated this rivalry.
However, it could be slightly different this time around. With CSK missing a couple of their overseas fast bowlers, their bowling does wear a thin look. Moreover, PBKS have a mighty batting line-up to go with a pretty decent pace attack. Thus, they might well be slightly ahead this time around.
