CSK eye improved bowling effort against formidable Punjab Kings
MUMBAI: Chennai Super Kings would look for inspiration from skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and a muchimproved bowling effort when they take on a power-packed Punjab Kings in the IPL here on Friday.
The two sides experienced contrasting fortunes in their respective tournament opener.
While CSK lost by seven wickets against Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings eked out a fourrun win over Rajasthan Royals in a high-scoring thriller.
With the dew playing a crucial role at Wankhede, the side winning the toss would want to bowl first.
In their first match here, CSK posted a competitive 188 for seven, riding on fine contributions from Suresh Raina (54), Moeen Ali (36), Sam Curran (34), Ravindra Jadeja (26) and Ambati Rayudu (23).
Despite failures from the opening duo of Rituraj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis besides skipper Dhoni, CSK managed to put up a decent total on the board.
But the Chennai outfit's bowling unit looked completely out of sorts and clueless against the DC opening duo of Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw, who were ominous from the word go and stitched a 138-run stand to take the game away from CSK.
The likes of Deepak Chahar, Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur, Jadeja and Moeen Ali all went for big runs and looked rusty.
And come Friday, the onus would be on master tactician Dhoni to inspire his teammates to lift their performance and give Punjab a run for their money.