Cricket news - CSK look to address death bowling concerns against KXIP

Despite a defeat in Mumbai, Chennai Super Kings should be fairly confident as they return to Chepauk, their fortress. Kings XI Punjab have found themselves in the top half of the points table, but CSK should believe in turning their Mumbai performance into a mere aberration, even if some of their shortcomings were thoroughly exposed in the last game.

MI did stutter in the first half of the innings but also successfully managed to throw off MS Dhoni's bowling plans and reaped rewards at the death. While Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals failed to attack Deepak Chahar up front, KXIP will certainly know how crucial it is to do that. In the first three games, Dhoni was able to get four consecutive overs out from Chahar right at the start, except in Mumbai, where he was hit out of the attack after his third.

Chahar spent a lot of time practicing his yorkers on the eve of the game and could be expected to bowl at the death especially with Dwayne Bravo ruled out for two weeks. Ambati Rayudu's poor form too hurts CSK but the familiarity of the conditions gives Dhoni's batch of 2019 a slight edge.

The biggest challenge will be for the KXIP batsmen. After playing in batting friendly conditions in Jaipur, Kolkata and Mohali, the key will be how well they adapt to the slow conditions in Chennai. Patience will key, just like Dhoni showed during his knock against Rajasthan Royals, and it'll be a test of temperament for the visiting batsmen who like to feel the ball coming on to the bat and want to crack boundaries from the get-go.

But KXIP should be buoyed by the timing of their arrival in Chennai as, for the first time, CSK have things to worry about in a clash this season, and a Bravo-sized void to fill. Ravichandran Ashwin will hope for nothing less than a coup in his first appearance against his former side at their traditional home ground.

What: CSK vs KXIP, Match 18, 4pm IST, 1030am GMT

Where: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

What to expect: Another hot day with the temperatures touching high 30s. The track is expected to play slow and aid the spinners, but won't be a dampener like the one in the opening clash of IPL 2019. With an afternoon start, the bowlers will find it much easier to execute their plans with dew not being a hindrance.

Team news:

Chennai Super Kings

With Bravo ruled out, and keeping in mind the conditions, the hosts should bring in Mitchell Santner. The left-arm spinner will be handy with the ball and can score crucial runs at the death. Harbhajan Singh should find a place in the XI as well.

Probable XI: Ambati Rayudu, Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (c, wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur/Mohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir

Kings XI Punjab

After a splendid show against Delhi Capitals, Sam Curran should believe he has sealed a spot in the playing XI. Chris Gayle is fit for the contest and even though he did not bat on the eve of the match, he should slot back in at the top. Hardus Viljoen is likely to make way for the opener.

Probable XI: KL Rahul (wk), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, David Miller, Mandeep Singh, Sam Curran, R Ashwin (c), M Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb ur Rahman

What they said:

I am not concerned about the form of Rayudu and Watson. Watching them at the nets, they are preparing really well at the nets. Both are hitting the ball extremely well. I am convinced that there is a big score just round the corner - Michael Hussey

Ashwin is a thinking cricketer. He's someone who really thinks about the game. He brings that into the team. A lot of thought and a lot of planning, about why we are playing a batsman or a bowler, comes from him. He's defining roles and that helps the individual. He's excited to be here in Chepauk. He knows the wicket in and out - Mayank Agarwal