Photo credit: BCCI/IPLT20.com

After a series of losses following a dream start, Kings XI Punjab find themselves in a position where they have to win big against Chennai Super Kings in order to keep their Playoffs hopes alive. With their Net Run Rate at -0.490, Kings XI Punjab have nothing to lose and everything to win and will look to express themselves in to the best of their abilities in the last league game in this season of the VIVO Indian Premier League.

Aamne Saamne

Chennai Super Kings hold an advantage when it comes to the previous times these teams have met. But the Kings were able to beat the Super Kings by a 4-run margin the last times these two teams met at Mohali and as visitors they will look to press the mental advantage they hold.

Batting de Baadshah

Lokesh Rahul has delivered time and time again for KXIP and they will be hoping he delivers one more time when the team need him the most. He is currently the league’s highest run scorers with 652 runs to his name. With the kind of form he is in, Rahul could be the key for the Kings against CSK.

Ambati Rayudu has been a revelation for Chennai Super Kings this season and his form has been improving over time. He batted Sunrisers Hyderabad out of the game with a fine century in CSK’s earlier game and KXIP will be hoping to contain a repeat.

Bowling de Kings

Andrew Tye has gone from strength to strength in the IPL and after picking up his third 4-wicket haul in the team’s previous game against Mumbai Indians, he is currently in red hot form and will be raring to take in the Chennai challenge.

Chennai Super Kings haven’t had the best time with the ball but at least one of their bowlers has stood up to be counted when it mattered the most for their team which is good news for them. Shardul Thakur may not have played every game for CSK but he is still the team’s most successful bowler so far with 12 wickets.

From the Lion’s Mouth

“Everything’s a learning and I am learning from these tight games.” - Lokesh Rahul

Mudde ki Baat

Kings XI Punjab have a very clear target, get the victory and get it fast. They will want to win by as big a margin as they can to push their NRR up. Rahul and Tye will be key but they will not want to bank on these two alone. The others will have to step up their game if the team is to dominate as much as they need to in their final league game.

CSK have already qualified but will not want to take their foot off the gas just yet. They will want to go into the Playoffs with some momentum on their side and will give a good fight to the Kings. They will want to try out some bench strength and maybe give some opportunities up the order to their batsmen who haven’t hit form yet which could work to the Kings’ advantage.

Yaad Rakhiyo

• Andrew Tye (24) is currently the highest wicket taker in the IPL
• CSK’s most successful bowler, Shardul Thakur, comes in 18^thon the list
• Ravichandran Ashwin finished with figures of 4-0-31-1 the last time he faced his previous team
• Lokesh Rahul leads the Orange Cap race with 652 runs

Who could play?

KL Rahul (wk), Chris Gayle, Aaron Finch, Manoj Tiwary, Yuvraj Singh, David Miller, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin (c), Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma, Barinder Sran

The team has been under a bit of pressure and they may try and experiment a little in their final game. David Miller, who has been on the bench for a long time, may be brought in in a final bid to strengthen the middle order. Barinder Sran may also be given a chance as the fast bowlers have struggle with form a bit. If Mujeeb Ur Rahman is fit he makes an automatic case for himself and will undoubtedly be seen playing for the team.

NOTE: The aforementioned line-up is an educated guess at best, and the final decision rests with the captain and the team management depending on various external factors.