Kings XI target winning form against familiar opponents

Saturday, April 25, 2015
Start time 2000 local (14:30 GMT)

Kings XI have a batting line-up that's a revolving door of big hitters. Only, it appears someone has forgotten to oil it properly. It had almost seemed too easy for them last season when Glenn Maxwell or David Miller would mistake a cricket match for a golf range. Big scores backed the opposition into a corner for the asking rate to induce claustrophobia. They've tried to recreate that method, but only pretty cameos have resulted.

So they veered away from the new formula to an old recipe. And Shaun Marsh is spicy as ever in the IPL. His single-handed Super-Over victory against Rajasthan Royals might spark Kings XI to their dominant ways. It also means he has locked up one of the four overseas spots. If George Bailey is still unfit, the selectors will have to take a call between Miller and Thisara Perera again. Maxwell and Mitchell Johnson, although flying cold at the moment, can't be risked on the bench.

Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, haven't had to tinker with their XI nor their strategy. However, they were overwhelmed by the Kings in the North three out of three times last season, including in the crucial qualifier. MS Dhoni's men will fancy themselves on current form, though, especially with a bowling attack that is performing better in containing oppositions. Home conditions may not amount for much considering the MA Chidambaram Stadium discriminates equally against the bowlers. Prepare for a batting slugfest.

Chennai Super Kings WLWWW
Kings XI Punjab WLLWL

Faf du Plessis is learning there is no Super Kings line-up without a floater. The top-three are fixed and the No. 4 position seems to rely on the match situation and MS Dhoni's mood. Du Plessis displayed excellent presence of mind coming in at the 15th over against Royal Challengers last Sunday. He is also part of a core group of leaders in the side and a match-turning asset on the field.

A stellar international season. First choice opener for the Indian Test side. But M Vijay, who rose to prominence in the IPL with Super Kings, has not found his footing yet with Kings XI. His innings have fizzled away before they have had a positive impact on the match. There will be an itch to set that right, and doing it against his former team might taste.

"To be perfectly honest, I don't think in any of the three disciplines we have done as well as we would like consistently"
Kings XI Punjab captain George Bailey hasn't had much reason to flash his trademark smile much this season