IPL 6: Match 45 - CSK vs KXIP - Chennai Super Kings Preview

Teams – Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab

Venue – MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai

Time – 4 pm IST

An in-form CSK side takes on a KXIP side which is just about managing to keep its head above the water. CSK will go into the game as the more confident side, not only because of their 6-match unbeaten streak but also because the match is being played in their backyard – a place which they’ve turned into their fortress.

The CSK side is playing as a well-oiled machine. Their batting is perhaps the strongest in the tournament and turning out to be the most consistent too. Every single batsman in the line-up, from Saha to Bravo, has contributed. Unlike the initial stages of the tournament when a couple of quick wickets hurt their scoring in the initial overs, CSK have now been putting together impressive starts and a major share of the credit must go to Michael Hussey. Their middle-order is as strong as ever and every now and then, a new match-winner takes the team home to victory.

The erratic form of Dirk Nannes led to him being dropped for the last match and Albie Morkel took his place. It bolstered their batting and didn’t affect the bowling as Morkel bowled an economical spell. If he continues to bowl well, he is expected to be played ahead of Nannes for the coming matches else it will be a tough call for the captain. Mohit Sharma has been a surprise package and his bowling has been a boon for CSK this year. Starting out as the weak link in the bowling line-up, he has turned into one of the mainstays.

Players to watch out for:

MS Dhoni – He is in sublime form – but then, one would argue, when is he not in this version of the game? But the consummate ease with which he has been handling situations on the field – whether while batting or fielding, has been one of the reasons for CSK’s consistency this year.

Michael Hussey – There is a stark difference between the batting styles of Chris Gayle and Michael Hussey. While the former takes a brutal approach when it comes to hitting, Hussey quietly accumulates his runs and more consistently too. No wonder he is right behind Gayle in the leading run-scorers this year. But the difference in their tally is just 34 with Hussey having played an innings less. He would be looking to make the Orange Cap his own tonight.

Bravo – Few would’ve expected him to be third on the leading wicket-takers’ list this far into the competition. Not only has he taken wickets, but also bowled during the death overs, which has been the only sore point in CSK’s performances thus far.

X-Factor:

Albie Morkel – No target – be it runs on the board or ropes on the field, is far away when this man is batting. That he hasn’t been called upon to rescue the team with the bat is testimony to the CSK’s middle-order strength. With his bowling, he lends a fine balance to the formidable CSK line-up.

Prediction:

CSK are emerging as one of the staunchest contenders this year. The team is playing as a unit and most of the players have hit form. Against a KXIP side which is still struggling to make a mark this year, this should result in a CSK win.