The first match of the day will be played between Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab. The main attraction of this match will be the return of local boy Ravichandran Ashwin at his own home ground. Ashwin who is the captain of KXIP was once an important part of CSK and played a huge role in some of CSK’s win. CSK was banned for 2 years in 2015 and for the next two years, Ashwin played for Rising Pune Supergiant. After CSK’s return, they retained three of their key players MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja in the team. They were not able to use Right to Match (RTM) card for Ashwin as they had retained the allowed number of Indian players. Aswhin was bought by KXIP in 2018 auction for 7.60 crores after a tough competition from both Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings at the auction. Today will be the first time that Ashwin will not be playing in the yellow jersey at MA Chidambaram Stadium. Last year CSK’s matches were shifted to Pune in between of the IPL due to Cauvery water dispute.
Team News
Dwayne Bravo is injured and will be out of action for the next two weeks. CSK does not have an appropriate replacement for Bravo. Today’s match is in Chepauk hence Mitchell Santner can be included in the side. Harbhajan Singh can also return to the side to support Imran Tahir and Ravindra Jadeja in the spin department.
Chris Gayle after missing the last match due to injury is perfectly fit and will be returning to the side. Sam Curran who had a dream debut in the last match will probably remain in the side. This means that Hardus Viljoen will certainly miss today’s game.
Last Performance
KXIP won a thriller against DC in their last match. CSK lost their last match to MI after all their weaknesses were exposed.
Prediction
KXIP due to a strong batting as well as bowling line-up can hand over a consecutive defeat to CSK today.
