IPL 2024: Punjab Kings strongest predicted playing XI against Chennai Super Kings

PBKS ( Photo source : IPL )

In the 49th game of the Indian Premier League 2024, Punjab Kings would travel to Chepauk to face the Chennai Super Kings. Both teams need a win to keep the opportunity to qualify to the play-offs in their own hands. They both occupy spots in the middle of the IPL 2024 points table, but a win in this game would surely elevate them in the standings.

Punjab Kings come into this game on the back of a stunning chase against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens. They would be hoping for a great away game once again but this time at the M.A Chidambaram stadium. The franchise had a famous win at the stadium last year and would be hoping for a similar result this time around.

Ahead of this high-profile encounter at the M.A Chidambaram stadium, let’s take a look at how the Punjab Kings might line-up against Chennai Super Kings.

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

Openers: Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh

After a tremendous comeback into the team, Jonny Bairstow would be beaming with confidence as he looks to notch up more runs during his good form. If he gets settled at the crease, he might be a menace for the opposition and can change the tide of the match. 

Prabhsimran Singh finally found his mojo and was one of the key players in the last game for the franchise. The wicketkeeper-batter would be hoping to continue this amazing touch once again and get the vital win for the franchise.

Middle Over: Rilee Rossouw, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ashutosh Sharma

Rilee Rossouw did enough to secure a spot in the playing XI for the game against the Chennai Super Kings. However, he might need a big knock in this game to keep his place in the side as there are a lot of players waiting on the sidelines to represent the franchise.

Team India wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma was touted to go to the T20 World Cup after strong performances in international outings. However, after a rusty campaign, the batter has been left out of the race for the World Cup. There are rumours that he might be dropped from the team once Shikhar Dhawan comes back into the team, with other players falling down in the batting order to cover up Jitesh’s role.

Additionally, Ashutosh Sharma has also been amongst the most consistent players for the franchise this year. His power-hitting ability makes him the perfect candidate for the role of the finisher in the team.

All-Rounder: Sam Curran (C)

Sam Curran has been one of the most impressive players for the 2014 finalists in the ongoing season. There were concerns that he might not be able to perform when he leads the side in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan. However, the all-rounder has been performing consistently with both bat and ball and has managed to live up to the expectations of the franchise.

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

Rahul Chahar was drafted back into the playing XI and had a good impact for the side. In a high scoring encounter, he took a crucial wicket and gave away just 32 runs in his four overs. The leg-spinner would be a key player for the team and would be hoping to contribute more. 

The South African International Kagiso Rabada had a poor game against the Kolkata Knight Riders as he conceded 52 runs inside three overs. He would be hoping for a good game for the side in their upcoming fixture and scalp wickets as well.

Harpreet Brar wasn’t bowled much at the Eden Gardens in the last game as he got only two overs and the spinner conceded 21 runs. Despite this, he is likely to start the game against Chennai Super Kings and might be looking to play a vital role for his side at the M.A Chidambaram stadium.

Arshdeep Singh continued his good run in the tournament as he got two crucial wickets in the last game. However, his economy is one thing that might be worrisome for the bowler and the team management. The pacer is known to make strong comeback.

PBKS predicted XI: Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Sam Curran (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh

Impact Substitute: Shashank Singh