Overview
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) find themselves staring down a familiar hole. A sluggish start to IPL 2025 has raised alarms, much like in 2020 and 2022 when early losses led to bottom-half finishes. With just one win so far this season, CSK need an urgent turnaround to avoid history repeating itself.
The problems are plenty: lack of home advantage, underperforming Indian signings like Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda, and an overreliance on overseas stars. Even Ruturaj Gaikwad, their skipper and former Orange Cap winner, has been batting out of position, further limiting their top-order firepower.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are not without their own struggles—particularly at home, where they’ve won just once in six games in New Chandigarh. However, they’ve been bolstered by a solid Indian core and a clear commitment to youth under coach Ricky Ponting. The likes of Shreyas Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh, and Nehal Wadhera have all stepped up.
The surface in New Chandigarh could favor CSK’s spin-heavy strategy, but both teams come into this contest with questions to answer.
Key Talking Points
- CSK’s Woes Continue: Their batting remains unsettled, with inconsistent contributions from both young and experienced Indian players. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s move to No. 3 hasn’t helped their powerplay scoring, which is the lowest among all teams this season.
- PBKS’ Indian Core Shines: Shreyas Iyer leads a promising local contingent that has shown more spark than CSK’s cautious approach with youth. PBKS may lack consistency at home, but their long-term vision is evident.
- Spin Could Decide the Match: The slower track in New Chandigarh played into the hands of Rajasthan Royals’ spinners in their last outing. CSK may hope their trio of Ashwin, Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad can replicate that control.
- Sam Curran’s Homecoming: After captaining PBKS last season, Curran is back with CSK, joined by another former PBKS player, Nathan Ellis. Both could have key roles in this spin-dominated contest.
Team Updates & Likely XII
CSK Possible XII:
- Rachin Ravindra
- Devon Conway
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt)
- Vijay Shankar
- Shivam Dube
- Ravindra Jadeja
- MS Dhoni (wk)
- R Ashwin
- Anshul Kamboj
- Noor Ahmad
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Khaleel Ahmed
Anshul Kamboj could replace Mukesh Choudhary, who looked rusty in his last game.
PBKS Possible XII:
- Priyansh Arya
- Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
- Shreyas Iyer
- Nehal Wadhera
- Marcus Stoinis
- Glenn Maxwell
- Shashank Singh
- Harpreet Brar
- Marco Jansen
- Arshdeep Singh
- Lockie Ferguson
- Yuzvendra Chahal
Harpreet Brar might come in to offer spin support and batting depth, with Suryansh Shedge underutilized so far.
Big Questions
- Should Gaikwad Return to Open?
He’s been at the crease early despite batting at No. 3. With CSK’s powerplay struggles, moving him back to the top might inject momentum. - Can Shivam Dube Regain Form?
Once a spin-hitting force, Dube has struggled to make an impact this season. CSK need him firing to shore up a shaky middle order. - Is Chahal Being Underused?
PBKS haven’t completed his quota in two out of three matches. Against CSK’s left-handers, Chahal’s role could prove decisive—or tricky.
With both sides needing a statement win, this clash in New Chandigarh is more than just two points—it could shape the direction of their seasons.
