IPL 2024 – Match 53, PBKS vs CSK: Matheesha Pathirana to Make a Comeback? Chennai Super Kings Strongest Probable Playing 11 vs Punjab Kings
The struggle of CSK openers to score quick runs might see Rachin Ravindra return to CK Playing 11
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 53 of IPL 2024 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala on 5th May, Sunday.
Chennai Super Kings has won 5 out of 10 matches this season and they are in fifth place on the points table.
Punjab Kings has 4 wins from 10 matches and they are in the bottom four on the points table.
Mustafizur Rahman to be Unavailable for the Remaining Season:
Rahman has left the IPL for national duty. He was CSK’s highest wicket-taker this year, picking up 14 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 22.7.
Tushar Deshpande is expected to be back in place of Rahman. Tushar missed the last match because he was unwell.
Deepak Chahar Suffers an Injury Again:
According to reports, Deepak Chahar won’t feature in IPL 2024 now due to his injury. He got injured in the last match against PBKS, leaving the field after bowling just 2 balls.
Mukesh Chowdhary could replace him in the XI. Mukesh is a left-arm pacer, and his inclusion will bring variety to the CSK team.
Rachin Ravindra Could Return:
CSK have struggled to get a huge score in the powerplay with the opening duo of Ajinkya and Ruturaj, both are not ultra-aggressive players. Bringing hard hitter Rachin at the top again could solve the issue for CSK.
If Rachin does not return, then CSK could also think about opening with Moeen Ali or having him at 3 as the pinch hitter.
Chennai Super Kings Probable 11 vs Punjab Kings:
Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Richard Gleeson/Matheesha Pathirana.
Impact Player – Sameer Rizvi/Mukesh Chowdhary.