Chennai Super Kings, without a modicum of doubt, are carrying a wave of optimism as they prepare to play their third consecutive game at home ground. Having pulled off a thrilling 78-run win against high-flying Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last game, CSK carry an ample amount of confidence going into this match. On Wednesday, Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings are set to lock horns in what promises to be a thrilling showdown in the 49th match of the ongoing Indian Premier League.

Chennai Super Kings have run a fine campaign at this year's IPL under the leadership of new skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. Currently sitting on fourth position in the points table with five wins from nine games, CSK are aiming to ride the winning momentum. Despite fine performance against SRH, CSK still lack the right combinations at the right time. 

They have made changes at their opening slot but that has flopped. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube’s power-hitting abilities have restored scoring in the team, helping the side in their batting. Their bowling has in whole been turbocharged by Matheesha Pathirana, with other seasoned bowlers making not much of an impact.  

Punjab Kings find themselves in dire situation, having managed to secure only three wins from nine games. Their inconsistency has been their Achilles' heel, having lost close encounters in the past. However, their victory in the high-scoring game against KKR will infuse the sense of confidence when they face CSK. The recent surge in Jonny Baistow’s performance, firing 108 unbeaten against KKR, will stimulate team's batting attack. The bowling attack for Punjab remains subtle as they eye to pouch a major win. 

Head to Head

Matches - 28

CSK-Won - 15

PBKS Won - 13

CSK Probable XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana, Mustafizur Rahman 

PBKS Probable XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Haarshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh