IPL 2020: Kings XI Punjab take on Chennai Super Kings

Dubai: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 18 of Dream11 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday evening.

After making a winning start to their IPL 2020 campaign against Mumbai Indians (MI), CSK have lost three games in a row. While RR beat them by 16 runs, Delhi Capitals (DC) registered a 44-run win against CSK before they went down against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 7 runs.

KXIP, on the other hand, overcame the Super Over-heartbreak against DC with a win in their second game against RCB. However, they lost their next two games against Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians.

With both teams eyeing a winning return, the game promises to offer a lot

With 246 runs to his name (One hundred, one fifty and two scores in the 20s), Mayank Agarwal is currently the Orange Cap-holder in the IPL 2020. The right-hander has looked comfortable against all the oppositions so far and KXIP will want him to continue his run of formas they take on CSK.

Ravindra Jadeja scored a fifty during CSK’s last game against SRH and the team will want him to continue his batting form, apart from his contributions with the ball and in the field. If the left-hander, who bats in the lower middle-order, continues to score consistently, it will be a big boost for CSK.

Sheldon Cottrell was easily the best bowler for KXIP in their game against MI. The left-arm pacer conceded just 20 runs and picked up a wicket in his four overs. KXIP will be looking to their left-armpacer to come good once again as they face CSK.

With 195 runs from four matches, Faf du Plessis has been the most consistent batsman for CSK this season, so far. Had it not been for that run-out against SRH, he had looked set for another good outing with the bat. His batting form, in addition to his fielding brilliance, will once again be the key for CSK as they look to end the losing streak.

There have been a few starts, but Shane Watson is yet to get that Watson special innings in IPL 2020. What better way and day to do it for the former Australian all-rounder than the day when CSK are looking for a much-needed win. If Watson comes good, it will be a treat for his side and CSK fans.

Nicholas Pooran looked in the zone during his 44-run knock against MI, and KXIP will hope that he scores the big runs as the team looks to break the losing streak. The left-hander can clear the fence with ease and with CSK having a number of spinning options at their disposal, Pooran could be someone KXIP will count on.

Mohammad Shami needs 2 wickets to complete 50 IPL wickets, KL Rahul needs 9 runs to complete 1500 IPL runs for KXIP, Dwayne Bravo requires 17 runs and 3 wickets to complete 1500 runs and 150 wickets respectively in IPL and MS Dhoni needs 1 catch to complete 100 IPL catches as a wicketkeeper. (UNI)