• Match: Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings, 49th Match, Indian Premier League 2024
• Date and Time: May 01,  02:00 pm GMT / 08:00 pm BD / 07:30 pm local time
• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have rejuvenated their winning streak with a notable victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. This latest triumph marks their fifth win in nine games, elevating them to the third position on the IPL points table. With just three victories needed from their remaining five matches to secure a coveted playoff spot, CSK is firmly on course. Their formidable performances on home turf set the stage for another dominant display against PBKS, as they aim to further solidify their position in the playoff race.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings (PBKS) made waves with their extraordinary chase of 262 runs in the previous match against Kolkata Knight Riders, powered by a stellar century from Jonny Bairstow. Despite this remarkable feat, PBKS find themselves with only three wins out of nine matches so far. To keep their playoff aspirations alive, they now confront the formidable challenge of winning all five of their remaining games.

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana.

Punjab Kings: Sam Curran (c), Jonny Bairstow, Shikhar Dhawan, Sikandar Raza, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh.

Who will win the toss? – Chennai Super Kings
Who will win the match? – Punjab Kings

Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad
Vice-Captain: Shivam Dube

Jitesh Sharma, Jonny Bairstow, Shashank Singh, Daryl Mitchell, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Matheesha Pathirana, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh.

Captains have consistently favored bowling first at Chepauk due to the dew factor. Yet, if a team posts a formidable total, chasing becomes arduous on this ground. Despite this, our recommendation stands: the toss-winning captain should opt to chase the target.

This season, the pitch at Chepauk has demonstrated improved performance. Runs haven’t been scarce to obtain, but spinners have found some purchase and turn on the surface. Moreover, bowling in line with the stumps has caused trouble for batsmen. A score ranging between 180 to 200 is considered typical here.

Anticipate a balmy evening with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius. The potential presence of dew could sway the game, offering an advantage to the team batting second. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to recognize that this advantage doesn’t assure a win.

• Stadium: MA Chidambaram Stadium
• City: Chennai
• Capacity: 50, 000
• Ends: Anna Pavilion End, V Pattabhiraman Gate End
• Hosts to: Tamil Nadu, Chennai Super Kings