IPL 2018, CSK vs KXIP: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) probable playing XI against Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Kings XI Punjab have gone through a drastic decline in the second half of IPL 2018, having lost 6 of their last seven games.

They are currently in the 7th position in the table and in dire need of a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Kings XI will go up against Chennai Super Kings next at Pune.

KXIP need to convincingly defeat Chennai Super Kings and hope that Mumbai Indians lose the afternoon encounter against Delhi Daredevils so that they can qualify for the playoffs.

On that note, let's take a look at KXIP's predicted XI for their all-important clash tonight.

KL Rahul has been Punjab's best and most reliable player throughout the tournament. With KXIP's playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Rahul knows that his team desperately need him to deliver and he will be looking to put another strong show with the bat.

Chris Gayle hasn't been at his best in the last couple of matches but CSK are well aware of what can happen if the flamboyant Jamaican gets going. Gayle will be hoping to get his side off to a rollicking start during the powerplay overs.

Aaron Finch put up a decent show with the bat against the Mumbai Indians in the previous game and will be hoping to pile up runs for his side during the middle overs in the crunch game against CSK.

Karun Nair will be someone Kings XI Punjab will be relying on to assist KL Rahul and elevate the scoring run rate during the second half of the innings.

Marcus Stoinis will be needed to produce the best of his all-round abilities tonight. KXIP will be hoping that Stoinis produces some quickfire runs with the bat and then contains the CSK batsmen with the ball.

Yuvraj Singh has been one of the tournament's biggest disappointments so far but everyone is aware of his hard-hitting abilities and what a nightmare he can be for any team when he gets going. He will be hoping to try to put an end to his awful performances tonight.

Axar Patel has been in decent form for Punjab this season. Patel will be hoping to take crucial breakthroughs with the ball as well as do some pinch hitting with the bat tonight.

Kings XI skipper Ravichandran Ashwin will have to lead his side sensibly tonight if they are to advance to the next stage of the competition. Ashwin will be hoping to deliver with the ball as he will be up against a pretty strong batting lineup.

Andrew Tye has been the best bowler of the competition and if there is anyone in the Punjab team capable of dismissing the CSK openers early, it's this guy. Tye will be hoping to get some wickets during the powerplay and then return at the death and knock off the tail.

Mohit Sharma will be needed to put in a strong performance with the ball. He will be hoping to put pressure on the CSK batsmen during the powerplay overs and end up getting a wicket or two.

Ankit Rajpoot needs to replicate the spells he produced against Delhi Daredevils and Sunrisers Hyderabad against CSK as well. He has the calibre to deliver in crunch situations and tonight will be the best opportunity for him.