The seventeenth edition of Tata IPL is just a few steps closer to its business end and promises to be an edge-of-the-seat thriller. The race to the playoffs is in full swing and intensified. Except for the table toppers, the Rajasthan Royals, the next few matches hold immense significance for all teams to keep themselves active in the championship. This week’s doubleheader guarantees nonstop cricketing action as the defending champions Chennai Super Kings will face the unpredictable Punjab Kings, followed by a riveting thriller between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders.
With five wins and as many losses, Chennai Super Kings is in fifth position and is determined to notch up a few wins in its upcoming games. Unlike the previous season, the Yellow Army had a modest tournament this edition and failed to dominate it. Super Kings must bring their A-game to the front to keep their playoff chances alive. The debate around the leadership change right before the campaign affecting CSK’s performance will likely to continue throughout the tournament. However, the team management would sigh relief as the team lived up to the expectations. Despite a firm batting order and a solid bowling lineup, CSK remained inconsistent this season. The team must shrug off everything behind at this stage and focus on the bull’s eye. Ruturaj Gaikwad leads from the front, Shivam Dube enjoys his prime form, and the Vintage Dhoni is entertaining. Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande are on a roll.
Punjab Kings, riding high on confidence from their recent victories against KKR and CSK, are looking to maintain their momentum and strengthen their playoff chances. Currently one step ahead of CSK, the team is eager to capitalise on this advantage and climb the order. They made history by successfully chasing the highest total ever in T20s against KKR last week, and their recent form suggests they are a force to be reckoned with. Johnny Bairstow is back in action, Shashank Singh has evolved as a perfect finisher, and Sam Curran has been a match-winner for them. Having defeated CSK a few days ago, Punjab is all geared up to lock horns with the reigning champions.
In the second match of the day, the Lucknow Super Giants will play the Kolkata Knight Riders on home turf. Both teams are placed in the first half of the points table and won their last match against Mumbai Indians. While Lucknow had to sweat it out to clinch a win, Knight Riders registered a brilliant victory. KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Ravi Bishnoi, Nicholas Pooran, and Mayank Yadav are players to watch for the Lucknow Super Giants. KKR boasts both terrific batters and incredible bowlers in the team. Sunil Narine and Phil Salt have been providing fiery starts. Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, A Raghuvanshi, Mitchell Starc, Rinku Singh are capable of turning the match in their favour. A win in this match will solidify KKR’s dominance, a victory for LSG navigates to take a leap on the leaderboard. Determined to continue the winning streak, the blockbuster clash between the two guarantees to be a riveting thriller.
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