Last year CSK inflicted one of the biggest defeats of IPL to Kings XI at Mohali. But with a revamped team Kings XI Punjab certainly have more reasons to feel confident than the strong but mentally tormented Chennai Super Kings. Sehwag, Miller and Aussie brigade have reasons to feel more confident than the old look CSK. With strong MI already losing, it appears time for another strong time to concede defeat.
History
They have met 12 times, including the semifinals of 2008. Except the Super Over win in 2010, Kings XI has failed to avoid loss in other 7 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, provided the new revampled team could overlook the intimidating losses of 2013.
Head-to-Head: CSK 8, KXIP 4
2008
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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
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CSK def Kings XI Punjab by 12 Runs
CSK def Kings XI Punjab by 24 Runs
2010
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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
CSK won by 15 runs, MOM: Raina
Overall Performances in IPL
Kings XI own one of the worst portfolio. Off-field reasons has affected their overall performance. They have reached one semifinal and won the Kingfisher Fair Play Award in 2009. Kings XI have 45 losses against 44 wins in 6 editions of IPL.
KXIP match Results in 2013
CSK has the best portfolio with 59 wins and 39 losses. They have reached knock out stage in all the six editions, and won the tournament twice besides once winning the CLT20 also.
CSKs match Results in 2013
Team Comparison
Kings XI has always been more inclined towards Australian players. Even the revamped team has Aussie impression, with Bailey as Captain, and Shaun Marsh alongwith the two most successful players of recent times Maxwell and destructive Johnson in their team. David Miller brought devastation in 2013. Sehwag can decide for himself on a particular day what he could be. But if he clicks, Zinta’s smile would be on the front page next day.
CSK on the other hand has managed to retain its core team, and in fact added Badree, Brendum McCullum and Dwayne Smith too. Brendum and in-form Faf as opener could be dangerous for any team, while Badree and Dwayne Bravo would certainly be handy while bowling. But, how will MSD, Jadeja and Raina play in the middle order decides their fate, and in UAE against a good pace attack of Kings XI they may fizzle.
Verdict
Who can write off CSK!! But, today at own risk, we may consider CSK losing the edge in the first match. Kings XI should win the close battle.
CSK appears again to be one of the best balanced side. Yet, the battle within, the question marks on the team will certainly bother them. And probably that reduces their chances to win. Yet, considering Dhoni and the professional team nobody can call them loser unless the last ball is bowled.
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