IPL 6: Chennai aim to stick with same pack

Date – 2nd May 2013

Time – 4.00 p.m (IST)

Chennai Super Kings have been relentless in the tournament, while Kings XI Punjab have been just the opposite. Chennai Super Kings had been contradictory in IPL 5, but now they have found the perfect combination and consequently, they have been able to produce the desired results. Kings XI Punjab, on the other hand, are struggling to get the momentum.

Chennai Super Kings formula of accelerating in the last five overs has worked for them. MS Dhoni has been the key protagonist for the Chennai Super Kings. Earlier, many wondered about his position in the batting order as he was coming down the order. But he took the responsibility on his shoulders and played match-turning innings for the Super Kings at number four. Suresh Raina finally found his form against the Pune Warriors and Dhoni would be hoping for a good performance from Suresh Raina against Kings XI. It would be interesting to see the bowling combination as the present attack looks more formidable. Albie Morkel, Chris Morris and Mohit Sharma are capable of bowling yorkers at the death overs. Dirk Nannes has the pace to hurry up the batsmen with his short-pitched delivery, but it might not suit the Chennai wicket as it tends to be on the slower-side.

Kings XI Punjab, on the other hand, have been inconsistent in this tournament because they don’t have quality Indian batsmen at the top of the order. Mandeep Singh is the only one also they are heavily reliant on their overseas players. If the Indian batsmen can rise to the occasion, then Kings XI have an outside chance of qualifying for the play-offs and they should also expect other results to go in their favour.

Pitch and Conditions

The conditions in Chennai are hot and the wicket is expected to be dry. It generally aids spinners and Chennai have quality spinners than Kings XI, who can exploit these conditions. Since the match begins at 4’0 clock, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bat first.

In the Spotlight:

Kings XI Punjab’s death bowling: Kings XI Punjab have quality bowlers with the new-ball in the form of Praveen Kumar and Azhar Mahmood. But they failed to deliver in the death overs. They constantly bowled length deliveries and paid the price for it. They will once again be tested against the Chennai Super Kings as they have power hitters in the form of MS Dhoni, Albie Morkel, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja and Chris Morris. If they continue to bowl length deliveries to Chennai Super Kings, they will be clobbered again.

Opening batsmen of CSK: Michael Hussey and perhaps Murali Vijay have to take the maximum advantage of the new-ball. Praveen Kumar has the ability to swing the ball both ways and Azhar Mahmood has the ability to vary his length constantly. If they can exploit the first six overs without losing too many wickets, then the Chennai Super Kings would be unstoppable.

Prediction

There’s no doubt when the Super Kings are in sublime form. They handled the pressure situations brilliantly. They have already defeated the Kings XI Punjab comprehensively by ten wickets at Mohali on a seaming track. Chennai looks a better side than Kings XI Punjab. Kings XI fielding hasn’t been good in last couple of matches. The only threat to Super Kings is Shaun Marsh. Since he hasn’t played Cricket for long time, it shouldn’t be difficult for Super Kings to knock him over. Chennai Super Kings should crush Kings XI Punjab.