IPL 2019, Match 18- Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab - Toss Report
Credits: BCCI

After suffering their first defeat of the season in their last outing against Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings will have their task cut out against high-flying Kings XI Punjab. Super Kings are not only entering the game on the back of a defeat but have lost Dwayne Bravo for two weeks due to injury. It has further depleted their pace which had already lost the Lungi Ngidi and David Willey.

Kings XI Punjab, on the other hand, enter this contest after winning two back-to-back games. Moreover, Chris Gayle has been declared fit which can really hurt Super Kings’ chances given the poor condition of their bowling attack. But then again, Super Kings have always managed to find a way during tough times and it will be interesting to see how MS Dhoni’s marshal his troops against the in-form visitors.

Toss:

Chennai Super Kings have won the toss and decided to bat first against Kings XI Punjab at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in the 18th match of this year’s Indian Premier League.

Here is what the captains said:

MS Dhoni:

“We will bat first. The wicket looks to good to bat on initially, it’s hard on the top. It’s important to keep backing your strengths. Lots of changes for us. Mohit, Shardul and Bravo are out. Scott Kuggeleijn, Harbhajan and Faf come into the XI.”

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R Ashwin:

“We were looking to bat first as well. It looks really hard and hope it remains through the same 40 overs. It’s quite emotional to be honest. I am very happy to be back playing here but I am looking forward to it. Chris is back into the XI, Hardus is left out. Mujeeb sits out as well and Tye comes in. ”

Teams:

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI):

Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Scott Kuggeleijn, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir

Kings XI Punjab (Playing XI):

Lokesh Rahul(w), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, David Miller, Mandeep Singh, Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami

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