🏏 IPL 2025 ~ 22nd Match PBKS vs CSK at Mullanpur @ 7.30 PM IST 🏏

🏏 IPL 2025 ~ 22nd Match:

PBKS vs CSK at Mullanpur on 8th April, 7.30 PM IST 🏏

Chennai Super Kings find themselves at a crossroads in IPL 2025. Having suffered three consecutive defeats, the five-time champions are desperately in need of inspiration to revive their campaign. However, a stern challenge awaits in the form of Shreyas Iyer's Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh on Tuesday, April 8.

CSK have endured the worst possible start to their season. Their solitary win against Mumbai Indians in Chennai now appears to be an anomaly. The Super Kings look disjointed and fatigued, with nothing going in their favour thus far. Rarely have they looked so vulnerable at home, having been convincingly beaten by Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals by margins of 50 and 25 runs, respectively.

Much has been said about MS Dhoni and his batting position in IPL 2025, but the real issue lies at the top of the order. The top-order collapse has repeatedly let CSK down. In just four matches, they have already used 17 players - including all their overseas options - surpassing the total player usage of both the 2015 and 2022 seasons. This scattergun approach is uncharacteristic of CSK, as evidenced by Rahul Tripathi, who was benched after just two matches despite being bought for ?3.4 crore.

Devon Conway, who replaced Tripathi against Delhi Capitals, was expected to bring stability to the top order. However, he failed to deliver, along with Rachin Ravindra, who has struggled to find consistency.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's insistence on batting at No. 3 has not helped matters. The in-form captain would arguably serve the team better by opening the innings.

The middle-order has become overly reliant on Shivam Dube to inject momentum, particularly given CSK's dismal powerplay performances - the worst run rate in that phase across IPL 2025.

Whether the Super Kings' batting unit can find form remains uncertain, but it seems to be as much a mental block as a technical one. Captain Ruturaj admitted after the defeat to Delhi that the side has been overthinking during the powerplay.

On the bowling front, CSK have also failed to make early inroads. While left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has been effective with the new ball, R. Ashwin has been underwhelming. Surprisingly, CSK have not utilised Matheesha Pathirana in the powerplay, even for an over or two. Their bowling effort has leaned heavily on Noor Ahmed, the current leading wicket-taker of IPL 2025.

In contrast, Punjab Kings started their season on a strong note. However, they suffered a heavy defeat to Rajasthan Royals in Mullanpur in their first home fixture, losing by 50 runs - a match that saw Rajasthan post the venue's first-ever 200-plus total.

Punjab struggled at home last season as well, losing four out of five matches at the new venue. There were high expectations from Shreyas Iyer's balanced side to turn things around at home, but the recent defeat has raised fresh questions.

Both Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting will be keen to prove that the loss to Rajasthan was just a blip. The upcoming clash against a faltering Super Kings side presents a golden opportunity to bounce back.

PBKS vs CSK: Head-to-Head

Punjab Kings have lost 17 out of their 31 encounters with Chennai Super Kings. However, in recent history, PBKS have dominated, winning five of their last six meetings.

PBKS vs CSK: Team News

Will Chennai Super Kings finally opt for consistency? After several changes to their line-up, perhaps it's time to stick with a settled XI. Ruturaj Gaikwad should strongly consider returning to the top of the order. Anshul Kamboj could be a back-up pace option, though dropping Mukesh Choudhary after just one match would seem harsh.

For Punjab Kings, Harpreet Brar could come in to replace Suryansh Shedge, who appears to be surplus to requirements in their already stacked batting unit.

PBKS Predicted 11: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer (captain), Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson.

Impact Sub: Yuzvendra Chahal

CSK Predicted 11: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, R Ashwin, Noor Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed.

Impact Sub: Anshul Kamboj.

PBKS vs CSK: Mullanpur Pitch Conditions

The surface at New Chandigarh had a bit of everything in the season's first game at the venue. Without dew, batting became trickier in the second innings. Expect some turn to be on offer again today.

While the days in Mullanpur have been scorching, conditions are expected to be slightly cooler and cloudy in the evening. There are no weather disruptions expected for this much-anticipated "Battle of the Kings."

Thanks for the tag Parm.

May the best team win.

Cheers..

Welcome to yet another Happy Dhoni Bashing Day.

Thanks for the tag Parm!

Not ready for yet another demoralising loss though — thinking of skipping today’s match.

Thanks for the tag

Am not watching today's match