CSK vs KXIP Playing 11: KXIP Predicted Playing 11 for today’s match vs CSK | IPL 2019

KXIP Predicted Playing 11 for today’s match vs CSK: The Sportsrush presents before you KXIP’s Predicted Playing 11 for their fifth match of IPL 2019.

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Kings XI Punjab have been the surprise package of IPL 2019 so far. Right from being at No. 2 at this stage of the tournament to dropping an in-form Chris Gayle for Sam Curran in their last match, Kings XI have surprised one and all.

If this wasn’t enough, Kings XI opening the batting with Curran further highlighted their unconventional approach. With them also not playing last season’s highest wicket-taker in Andrew Tye gives enough hints of unusual calls working for them till now.

If they manage to continue their winning streak against Super Kings tomorrow, Punjab will reach the top of the points table.

KXIP Predicted Playing 11 for today’s match vs CSK

Top-order

A major problem lying in front of Punjab is whether they would want to disturb their opening combination or not. Kudos to them for sending Curran up the order vs Delhi Capitals but they would be better off to include Chris Gayle. If they do that, will they go back to playing only five specialist bowling options?

Given the opposition in Chennai Super Kings, Punjab might look to take the field with an all-embracing batting lineup comprising of Gayle. The legendary batsman can probably be included in place of fast bowler Hardus Viljoen leaving captain Ravichandran Ashwin with only five bowling options.

Middle-order

Among one of the positives for Punjab this season has been the form of their former captain and current middle-order batsman David Miller. In what is his seventh year with the franchise, Miller is expected to play a pivotal role with respect to finishing the innings for Punjab.

The Indian duo of Sarfaraz Khan and Mandeep Singh have done justice in whatever opportunities they’ve received this season. With all-rounder Sam Curran also likely to bat in the middle-order, the trio will have to counter Chennai’s bowlers on their home soil.

Bowlers

Given the surface, Punjab will benefit from their triad of spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin, Murugan Ashwin and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The sluggish nature of the Chepauk wicket is highly likely to aid them tomorrow.

Having registered bowling figures of 4-0-27-2 vs DC, fast bowler Mohammed Shami had put on display signs of returning back to form after going for plenty in the first three matches. In the absence of Viljoen, Shami will have to make sure that he leads the attack for KXIP.

KXIP Predicted Playing 11 for today’s match vs CSK – 1) Lokesh Rahul (wk) 2) Chris Gayle 3) Mayank Agarwal 4) Sarfaraz Khan 5) David Miller 6) Mandeep Singh 7) Sam Curran 8) Ravichandran Ashwin (c) 9) Murugan Ashwin 10) Mohammad Shami 11) Mujeeb Ur Rahman

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