We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Wankhede Stadium Pitch Report for Punjab vs Chennai Match
The Wankhede pitch appears to be a batting beauty. Going by recent history, the batters should continue to dictate terms. Although chasing successfully has been the norm, the last three games have been won by the teams defending.
Probable Punjab & Chennai XIs for Today’s Match
Probable XI for Punjab: Mayank Agarwal (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow/Bhanuka Rajapaksa*, Liam Livingstone*, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada*, Nathan Ellis*, Rahul Chahar, Vaibhav Arora, Arshdeep Singh
Probable XI for Chennai: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja (c), MS Dhoni (wk), Dwaine Pretorius*, Dwayne Bravo*, Mitchell Santner*, Maheesh Theekshana*, Mukesh Choudhary
Power Players for Punjab vs Chennai Match
After getting 197 runs in the first 5 games, Shikhar Dhawan has managed only 17 in his last two innings. That said, he has scored 228 runs at 76 in his last four matches against Chennai. The defending champions will know the importance of removing the Punjab opener early.
Unlike many other wrist spinners, Rahul Chahar prefers to flight and lure the batters into a false stroke. In the process, he is now the leading wicket-taker for Punjab.
Smart Picks for Punjab vs Chennai Match
Mayank Agarwal has been dismissed for a single-digit score thrice in this edition. However, he can be destructive at the top, as we saw in his innings of 52 against Mumbai. Powerplay overs will be crucial for the dashing opener.
Despite getting useful runs at No.3, Bhanuka Rajapaksa was dropped to make way for Jonny Bairstow. However, given the Englishman’s struggle (9, 12, 12, and 8), the Sri Lankan could get back into the mix.
In comparison to his incredible numbers in 2021, Ruturaj Gaikwad has miserably failed in this edition. Barring his 73 against Gujarat, the runs have been hard to come by.
Perhaps, the motivation of becoming the fastest to reach 1,000 runs in the history of the Indian T20 League will bring out the best in him.
Arshdeep Singh has taken up the responsibility to bowl at the death. His full-length deliveries, coupled with slower balls, present an opportunity to add to his wickets column.
Both MS Dhoni and Jitesh Sharma can be handy picks in fantasy leagues. While the Indian legend is still finishing games with aplomb, the Punjab lad has added crucial runs in the middle order.
Mukesh Chowdhary finally made an impression in the last game by rocking the Mumbai top-order (3 for 19). Regardless of the conditions, he gets the new ball to move in both directions.
Despite being a spinner, Maheesh Theekshana likes to bowl in the powerplay. It will be a gripping contest between him and the explosive Punjab batters. Till now, he has taken 7 wickets in 4 matches.
Punjab vs Chennai Match Preview
Although Chennai are ahead in the head-to-head count (16-11), they lost twice to Punjab in 2021. In this edition, the four-time champions haven’t lived up to their billing.
On the other hand, Punjab are a destructive unit on paper but have indulged in self-destruction a couple of times in this edition.
Given the inconsistency of both teams, they are placed in the bottom half of the points table. Another defeat could mean curtains for the season.
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Time: 25 April, 7.30 PM IST