Punjab Kings to change playing XI against Chennai Super Kings

For the first time at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium, Chennai Super Kings will face hosts Punjab Kings in a must win situation for both teams during the ongoing IPL on March 8.

The craze to watch this match live from the ground is but obvious due to presence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, but on the pre-match day practice India’s most successful skipper missed coming to the ground, raising doubts on his playing this match. Recently questions have been raised on Dhoni’s slow approach in helping the team with the bat. While his lightning stumping reflexes still give goosebumps to cricket fans, he lately missed showing his batting skills.

The distinct lack of firepower in Dhoni’s death overs batting is a sensitive area that Chennai Super Kings need to address ahead of their IPL clash here. In one of their worst starts to an IPL season, CSK have now completed a hat-trick of defeats, all while chasing.

While Punjab Kings lost their previous game against Rajasthan Royals at home, the first defeat in the tournament, but with regard to current form, Shreyas Iyer’s side looks better-rounded than CSK, who are grappling with combination problems. However, the team is going to change their playing 11, making it more interesting against the former champions.

On Monday, as Dhoni skipped the training session, many people were caught making wild guesses — will he play or announce retirement, is he in good shape, is he injured and what not. ‘Brand Dhoni’ still rules the hearts of CSK aficionados as the cheers are deafening when he enters the ground. And a team like Punjab Kings, which has been revamped well, will be an ideal opponent for him to make a comeback. Meanwhile, the other team members underwent training today evening at the ground.

For Punjab Kings, skipper Iyer and young Nehal Wadhera’s form keeps them in good stead. Another local lad Prabhsimran Singh is also expected to turn the tide in the team’s favour during the power play.

Discussing the team’s preparations and mindset ahead of the clash, assistant bowling coach Trevor Gonsalves was quizzed about the playing combination. While keeping the cards close to his chest, Gonsalves hinted at possible change in the line-up against CSK. Punjab will be entering the contest after their first loss in the season last week on Saturday against Rajasthan Royals.

“We have a well-balanced squad. We have a good set of pace bowlers, a good set of spinners and a very good batting line-up. Hence, we do have a very balanced unit. You might see a slight change tomorrow in the playing combination. I cannot discuss or say anything about it, but you will see tomorrow,” said Gonsalves.

Gonsalves was also asked if the team was unable to study and take full advantage of the home conditions. While addressing the concept of home advantage, the assistant bowling coach said, “We had been to Ahmedabad and we beat Gujarat. It was their home and they lost there. We went to Lucknow and we beat them at their home. So, there is no home advantage in IPL. I just feel that Rajasthan played better on the given day and that’s it.”

He further added that how in T20 cricket the wicket does not change much. Hence, the chances of win boil down to one’s performance on a given day. “I really don’t see any major change in the wickets in a 40-over game. There is nothing much to it as 20-20 is all about who does well on a given day. If you see CSK, which has been one of the top teams, they have lost the last few games. It does not mean that they are a bad team or not doing well. It is very early in the tournament to judge anyone. We have just started,” he said.