When the Chennai Super Kings take on the Punjab Kings in the IPL here on Sunday, they will look for inspiration from the talismanic Mahendra Singh Dhoni once more, to improve on numerous fronts. CSK has won two of its seven matches so far, while Punjab Kings has three victories from seven matches. While PBKS is ranked eighth, CSK is ranked ninth in the IPL points standings. CSK, the defending champions, have struggled in every aspect this season. They haven’t played the type of cricket they are known for under skipper Ravindra Jadeja, who has struggled to lead from the front.

Also Read | IPL 2022: When and where to watch PBKS vs CSK?

However, they will be boosted by their three-wicket triumph against the bottom-placed Mumbai Indians, courtesy of Dhoni, who once again demonstrated he is the finest finisher in the game. Following a heart-stopping conclusion in which he struck six and two fours in the penultimate over to conclude the game, the wicketkeeper-batter turned back the clock to script a thrilling three-wicket triumph. CSK’s bowling has been a significant problem this season, but the previous champions put up a nice performance against Mumbai, with rookie bowler Mukesh Choudhary, who has battled under pressure all season, creating havoc with the new ball and picking up three wickets.

Also Read | What ails the Mumbai Indians?

Dwayne Bravo, the team’s old warhorse, continues to be a dependable servant, scooping up wickets every time he is given the ball. Skipper Jadeja is having a disappointing season with both bat and ball, while the signing of Sri Lanka spinner Mahesh Theekshana has boosted the critically depleted bowling squad, which is missing Deepak Chahar and Adam Milne. Young Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has had a disappointing season save from a 73 against Gujarat Titans, will need to come up and produce with the bat. All-rounders Moeen Ali and Shivam Dube will also have to shoulder greater responsibilities. CSK is clinging to a playoff spot by the skin of their teeth, and a loss on Monday will push them out.

Also Read | IPL 2022: Shane Watson backs Virat Kohli to get over lean patch

Punjab, on the other hand, would be stinging after their nine-wicket loss to the Delhi Capitals. All season, the Punjab batting squad has been plagued by inconsistency. While they have stars like Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, and Shah Rukh Khan, consistency is what they would like to achieve. Jonny Bairstow has failed to score in his four appearances, and it would be interesting to watch whether he is substituted by Sri Lankan Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who has fared far better than the Englishman. Punjab has a potent and diverse bowling attack led by South African fast Kagiso Rabada, who has been consistently accurate. Arshdeep Singh has also been outstanding.

Also Read | IPL 2022: Kevin Pietersen heaps praise on KL Rahul for ‘dynamic’ performance

Although he hasn’t taken many wickets, the 23-year-old has bowled efficiently, but Vaibhav Arora has to step up. Odean Smith’s position as a pace-bowling all-rounder will be critical. So far in the IPL, the West Indian has not been at his best.

The IPL 2022 fixture between Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings will be held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and commence at 7:30 PM IST on Monday (April 25). The toss will take place at 7:00 PM IST.