IPL 2024: Punjab Kings’ strongest predicted playing XI against Chennai Super Kings, Match 53

PBKS ( Photo source : IPL )

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 53 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala will host the afternoon match of Sunday’s (May 5) doubleheader. Both teams are well in contention for the playoffs and a win in the upcoming match will improve their chances.

It hasn’t even been a week since the two met this season. It was PBKS who emerged victorious by seven wickets in Chennai, equalling Mumbai Indians’ record for most successive wins against the defending champions in the IPL (5 wins). Sam Curran and Co. will aim to continue their dominance and move up to sixth in the points table.

Having won four out of 10 matches, PBKS are currently seventh in the points table. CSK, on the other hand, are placed fifth with five wins from 10 games. It’s hard to predict the winner, but fans can expect a thrilling affair when two strong units go head-to-head. Will Punjab go with the winning combination or make some changes to their line-up?

Also Read: Chennai Super Kings strongest predicted playing XI against Punjab Kings

Here’s the probable Playing XI for PBKS versus CSK IPL 2024 clash:

Openers: Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh (Impact Player)

Jonny Bairstow. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

PBKS recently broke the world record for the highest successful chase in T20 history, chasing down a humongous 262-run target against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). It was Jonny Bairstow’s blistering ton (108 off 48) that helped them achieve this massive feat. The Englishman had a poor start to the season but has regained his form.

notably, in the last match against CSK, Bairstow scored 46 off 36 balls and contributed his share in their impressive win. Prabhsimran Singh was also instrumental in their record chase against KKR. His quick-fire 20-ball 54 balls set the tone for an epic win. With no prospects of Shikhar Dhawan returning to the side, the youngster will continue in the role of opener.

Also Check: Orange Cap in IPL 2024- Most Runs

Middle-order: Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Ashutosh Sharma

Ashutosh Sharma. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

The addition of South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw bolstered PBKS’ middle order. The southpaw has scored 69 runs in the last two matches at a healthy strike rate. Shashank Singh is the match-winner for Punjab. Known for his explosive big hits, the uncapped Indian has singlehandedly led the team to a few stunning victories. Not to forget, he smashed an unbeaten 68 off just 28 balls in their record chase against KKR.

Jitesh Sharma has failed to live up to expectations this season. The blistering form of Shashank and Ashutosh Sharma in the middle and lower middle order saved the struggling keeper-batter to some extent. Ashutosh is a pocket dynamo of Punjab who has displayed ruthless batting while helping his team cross the finish line. The young lad has made 159 runs in seven innings at a staggering strike rate of 189.29.

All-rounders: Sam Curran

Sam Curran. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

Sam Curran is the interim captain for PBKS as Shikhar Dhawan continues to miss matches due to a shoulder injury suffered earlier this season. Curran has managed to put up a decent performance in the series so far. Notably, he has taken 12 wickets in 10 matches but has failed to resist the run flow in recent matches.

Bowlers: Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh. (Source -IPL)

Harpreet Brar was adjudged Player of the Match in the last encounter against CSK. The left-arm orthodox bowler grabbed two wickets by conceding an economy of 4.20. His tight lines and accuracy in length make it difficult for the batters to play the ball. Rahul Chahar featured in the last game against CSK and was impressive with a two-wicket haul by conceding an economy of just 4.0.

Kagiso Rabada will lead the pace attack of PBKS. The Proteas pacer started the season well but seems to have lost momentum as he is currently not in the top 15 wicket-takers list. However, in the last match against CSK, the right-arm pacer took a wicket at an economy of 5.80. Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh took the most wickets for PBKS, 14 and 13 scalps respectively. Although Harshal leaks a lot of runs, he can take crucial wickets and remains a key bowler alongside Arshdeep in the death.

Also Check: Purple Cap in IPL 2024 – Most Wickets 

PBKS’s Predicted XI against CSK:

Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh

Impact Substitute – Prabhsimran Singh