Legendary cricketer MS Dhoni missed out on Chennai Super Kings’ high-voltage clash against Punjab Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 3. The keeper-batter is currently recovering from a calf strain and is expected to miss the first three to four games at least. Dhoni missed out on CSK’s opening clash of the tournament against Rajasthan Royals as well, in which the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side suffered a hammering eight-wicket defeat.
In Dhoni’s absence, Kartik Sharma batted at number six, but he failed to establish his authority. The youngster was signed for INR 14.20 crore in the auction and was expected to solve CSK’s finishing woes. However, against Rajasthan, the 19-year-old scored only 18 runs in 15 matches. Despite so, he has retained his spot in the playing XI.
PBKS win toss, elect to field
Punjab Kings have won the toss and have elected to bowl first. Explaining the reason behind the move, captain Shreyas Iyer noted that the wicket looks fresh and they want to assess the conditions before being put to bat.
“I'm going to bowl first since it's their first match on the home ground. I feel the wicket is fresh. It would be a great thing to know how the wicket is going to play. So, based on those, I've taken this decision,” Iyer said.
Chennai, on the other hand, have made one change to their playing XI. Matt Short has made way for Prashant Veer, who makes his debut for the franchise tonight. He will also become the third youngest cricketer to make his debut for the five-time champions.
Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
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