Indian Premier League 2019 Match 55, Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Kings XI Punjab are almost eliminated. Chennai Super Kings have qualified. So, what’s left to play for when they clash in Mohali on Sunday, May 5? Well, the nature of the IPL is such that, there is always something to play for.

Chennai are yet to secure a top-two spot. They lead the table by two clear points currently, but with Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals close on their heels, they haven’t quite secured that safety net at the top.

Chennai have 18 points – win this match, and they will have 20 and with that, the top spot. A loss, however, leaves them vulnerable, if Delhi manage to beat Rajasthan Royals on Saturday and Mumbai see off Kolkata Knight Riders. That’s when net run-rate comes into play, and things can get unpredictable.

However, Chennai might opt to rest MS Dhoni, and few of the other regulars. Dhoni played their last match against Delhi, but he had just recovered from illness and wasn’t a 100 per cent. He has been crucial for the side this season – both as captain and as a big-hitting batsman – and they’ll want him fully recuperated before the Playoffs.

As for Punjab, whose qualification is extremely unlikely, the incentive now will be to avoid the wooden spoon. A win will do that. Even a loss will be enough, provided Royal Challengers Bangalore lose their final match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

All of which makes for a lull before the Playoffs storm.

Head to head

Chennai and Punjab have clashed 21 times over the course of the IPL. Somewhat surprisingly, Chennai haven’t entirely dominated the rivalry – they’ve won 13 times to Punjab’s eight, and twice had three-match win streaks against the three-time champions.

Chennai have won their last two encounters though – in Pune last year, and at home earlier this season.

Key players

Sam Curran (Kings XI Punjab): It’s most likely Curran’s last match in his first year of IPL. It’s been, on the whole, a fairly decent maiden campaign – consistency will be key going forward, and if he can repeat more often his 24-ball 55* against Kolkata, Punjab will have trouble holding on to him.

Suresh Raina (Chennai Super Kings): Raina’s aura isn’t what it used to be. The impression is that he’s no longer as integral to Chennai’s cause as he was – which is damning, given he is vice-captain. However, in their last outing, he found something of his best form during a 37-ball 59. Can he build on that?

Likely XIs

Kings XI Punjab: Chris Gayle, KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Mandeep Singh, Sam Curran, R Ashwin, Andrew Tye, Mohammed Shami, M Ashwin, Arshdeep Singh

Chennai Super Kings: Faf du Plessis, Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (c/wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dwayne Bravo, Deepak Chahar, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir

Prediction

Chennai to win and take top spot.