Kings XI Punjab wary of Chennai Super King's revenge

This should be the most exciting match at this stage of the IPL, as the two best teams—the Chennai Super Kings and the Kings XI Punjab—look to gain the psychological advantage. Chennai will be hoping for revenge for their loss to the Kings XI in UAE, while Punjab will need the win to go top of the table.

Glenn Maxwell and David Miller had scuttled Chennai’s plans of a winning start to the season. Though the Super Kings posted 205 in their 20, a blistering 95 of 43 balls by Maxwell helped Punjab start their campaign with a win. Chennai have not since met an opposition they could not conquer—they’re unbeaten in six matches—and are top of the table. MS Dhoni’s men have regained their aura of invincibility.

Punjab, too, have proved that the win against the Super Kings was no aberration, winning four more before Mumbai ended the run at the Wankhede with a five-wicket win last Saturday. Chennai openers Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith have proved to be the best opening pair in the league, while Glenn Maxwell has been the standout performer for the Kings XI Punjab.

The three currently lead the scoring chart this IPL—with Maxwell at top, followed by Smith and then McCullum. Chennai have had the better team performances, having been served well by Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni, while David Miller has often finished off what Maxwell has started. Unfortunately, this dependence on the two batsmen could be their great weakness.

Though Cheteshwar Pujara and Virender Sehwag have lend a helping bat, they’ve been far too inconsistent. Expect no such chink in Chennai’s armour— Punjab will have to work for a win. Punjab’s wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, whose 59 against Mumbai was encouraging, and their Australian captain George Bailey will need to be at hand to help out if their best fail.