In their last meeting Chennai Super Kings served one of the biggest defeats of IPL to Kings XI at Mohali. Now Kings XI have emerged stronger with 4 wins, and have the strength to take on the group leaders at their home in Chennai and participate in high-scoring match emerging as winner. Despite the last game being one-sided, Davids and Praveen Kumar should get Kings XI the revenge in Chennai.
History
They have met 11 times, including the semifinals of 2008. Except the Super Over win in 2010, Kings XI has failed to avoid loss in other 6 games making them an easy prey. They have won only four matches against the IPL champions, but the encouraging factor is that in 2011 and 2012 they have won all the three matches, and that too twice with the performance of unknown Indian players.
2013 Performance
Head-to-Head: CSK 7, KXIP 4
2008
-
CSK def Kings XI Punjab by 33 Runs
CSK def Kings XI Punjab by 18 Runs
CSK def Kings XI Punjab by 9 Wickets
2009
-
CSK def Kings XI Punjab by 12 Runs
CSK def Kings XI Punjab by 24 Runs
2010
-
KXIP def CSK in Super Over (After tie)
CSK def Kings XI Punjab by 6 Wickets
2011
- KXIP def CSK by 6 wkts, MOM: Valthaty
2012
- KXIP def CSK by 7 runs, MOM: Mandeep Singh
KXIP def CSK by 6 wkts, MOM: Gilchrist
2013
- CSK won by 10 wickets, MOM: Michael Hussey
Overall Performances in IPL
Although the win in the first match has got their loss- win ratio equal (37 wins and 37 losses), Kings XI own one of the worst portfolio. Off-field reasons has affected their overall performance, but the performance improved last year and they are a strong contender for the knock out phase. They have also reached one semifinal and won the Kingfisher Fair Play Award in 2009.
CSK has the best portfolio with 47 wins, 34 losses and 1 No result. They have reached knock out stage in all the five editions, and won the tournament twice besides once winning the CLT20 also.
CSKs match Results in 2013
KXIP match Results in 2013
Team Comparison
CSK just needs one win to seal their 6th consecutive entry to the semifinals. Michael Hussey needs only 35 runs to seal Orange Cap. Bravo is just a wicket away from grabbing the Purple Cap. Mohit Sharma and Ashwin have been bowling economic spells and taking wickets at important time. Still their bowling is major concern as it is unable to limit teams to a low total, even in Chennai. Their batting is now one of the best after Raina has got back to form and inclusion of Saha as opener.
Kings XI on the other may need Gilchrist back as overall as a team their batting still revolves around three players – David Miller, David Hussey and Mandeep Singh. Manan Vohra is good but not too good. Shaun Marsh is far away from repeating his glory of 2008 edition. Azhar Mahmood has failed with bat.
Kings XI Team Performance in 2013
Their bowling has been not that effective. Praveen Kumar is the only saving grace, but even he failed in their last match against CSK. Others have not been so consistent. Piyush Chawla needs to be replaced as a bowler. He is a better batsman now.
Verdict
Their last match was no match as CSK stamped its authority. But with inclusion of David Miller the team looks good for batting tracks, and Chennai is one of them. Considering that and not so successful CSK bowling unit, Kings XI is the favorite to win today.
Leave a Reply