IPL 2021: Match 53 - CSK vs PBKS : Preview, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Updates

The MS Dhoni-led side has had an impressive run in the IPL 2021 as the team has already made it to the play-offs. However, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have lost two consecutive games and will be keen on getting back to winning ways. They are set to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Match 53 of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

CSK though have confirmed their spot in the top four, the team is still would be hoping to finish in the top two. This match would thus be a crucial one for the side to clinch the two important points and strengthen their position in the points table. CSK’s openers have been instrumental for the side in providing a strong foundation and on the Dubai pitch, that has favored the batters, the team will aim to put up a strong show at the display.

PBKS, on the other hand, lost their previous game to RCB. Though Punjab was well in the game whilst chasing a total of 165, RCB exuded great dominance to restrict the opposition at 158. This most probably ended Punjab’s hopes of making it to the top four. However, to have any chances of making it to the play-offs PBKS will need to win this game by a big margin and hope that the other encounters work in their favour.

Pitch Report:

The pitch of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to provide good assistance to the batters. Spinners might also reap good rewards from this surface. On winning the toss, chasing should be the way going ahead.

Playing XI:

Chennai Super Kings

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa/Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (c, wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood

Punjab Kings

KL Rahul (c, wk), Mayank Agarwal, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Shahrukh Khan, Moises Henriques, Sarfaraz Khan, Harpreet Brar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh

Key Players:

Ruturaj Gaikwad

One player that has stood out for CSK in the tournament is Ruturaj Gaikwad. He has picked up the momentum in the UAE leg from where he left it in the first half of the league. The batter has chipped in 521 runs in the tournament so far at a healthy average of 47.36. Alongside Faf du Plessis, he has provided the team with flying starts and will be determined to perform for the side in this important encounter.

KL Rahul

Though Punjab has struggled to make an impact in the tournament, the skipper has been exceptional for the team. He currently tops the list of the highest run-getters of the tournament. The keeper-batter has smashed 528 runs at an excellent average of 52.80. Heading into this match, he will look to fetch another big knock to enable the team to end their campaign on a positive note.