IPL 2026, Match 7: Here's why PBKS can beat CSK
What's the story
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai today. This will be the second match for both teams in the ongoing season of Indian Premier League (IPL). CSK suffered a defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their opening match in Guwahati, while PBKS won against Gujarat Titans (GT). Meanwhile, PBKS will enter this fixture as favorites. Here we decode why they are likely to prevail.
Team composition
PBKS have a strong batting unit
PBKS will be captained by Shreyas Iyer, who has been declared fit for the match. While Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh set IPL 2025 on fire with their opening stands, Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh will complement Iyer in the middle order. Cooper Connolly made a superb 72* while batting at three against GT. All-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Marco Jansen can hammer quick runs toward the end. This makes PBKS a settled and formidable batting unit.
CSK
CSK's bowling is a worry
RR took just 12.1 overs to accomplish the 128-run target against CSK. This underlines a solid loophole in the latter's bowling attack. While the in-form Matt Henry looked ineffective with the new ball, Noor Ahmad went for runs in the middle overs. With PBKS boasting a stunning top seven, the misery of CSK bowlers might continue. Notably, the Chidambaram Stadium has emerged as a high-scoring venue in recent IPL seasons.
CSK's batting
What about CSK batters?
While MS Dhoni is likely to miss the first two weeks of the season, Dewald Brevis is also not a sure starter against PBKS. Hence, CSK's middle-order issues might also continue to haunt them. Sanju Samson and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad indeed form a solid opening pair. However, the next in the line are Ayush Mhatre, Matt Short, and Sarfaraz Khan. Moreover, PBKS's bowling is studded with star names like Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Jansen.
XIs
Here are the probable playing XIIs
CSK probable XII: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry. PBKS probable XII: Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak/Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal.