By Chirag - Apr 30, 2025 11:25 AM
The current Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season will see another meeting between the Chennai Super Kings (CHE) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). On Wednesday, April 30, the highly awaited game will take place in Chennai's famed MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk). When these two sides last met earlier this season, Punjab came out on top with an 18-run victory in Mullanpur. Batting first, PBKS piled up a commanding total of 219/6 in 20 overs, while CSK’s spirited chase ended at 201/5.
Punjab have found stability at the top of their order, maintaining a settled opening combination throughout the season. In contrast, CSK have struggled to find the right mix at the top, making multiple changes without much success. Their poor record, which has seen them linger at the bottom of the points table with only two wins from nine games, has been mostly caused by their inconsistent batting. Punjab, on the other hand, are positioned fifth, with five victories in as many games, and are in contention for a playoff spot.
As these two teams prepare to face each other once more, let’s take a look at three batters who could make a big impact with the bat in today’s clash.
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During Chennai's otherwise dismal season, young Ayush Mhatre has shown himself to be a bright point. Drafted into the playing XI after regular opener Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined due to injury, Mhatre has made an instant impression. In his two outings so far, the right-handed batter has amassed 62 runs at an impressive strike rate of 182.35 and an average of 31.
In CSK’s last fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mhatre showcased his aggressive intent, scoring a quickfire 30 off just 19 balls, laced with six boundaries. Opening the innings, he carries the added responsibility of providing CSK with solid starts. Having shown flashes of his talent, Mhatre will now look to convert those starts into a substantial innings in front of the home crowd at Chepauk.
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Punjab’s young opener Prabhsimran Singh will be another player to watch closely. The right-hander was in scintillating form in PBKS's recent fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders, blasting 83 runs off just 49 deliveries. His knock featured six fours and six towering sixes, scored at a brisk strike rate of 169.39.
So far in IPL 2025, Prabhsimran has accumulated 292 runs in nine innings at an average of 32.44 and a strike rate of 168.78. While he has registered two half-centuries, the opener will be keen to bring more consistency to his performances. Riding high on confidence from his last innings, Prabhsimran will aim to deliver another match-winning contribution against CSK.
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Leading from the front, Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer will be pivotal in this crucial encounter. After a strong start to the season, Iyer’s form dipped in the middle phase, but he looked in fine touch during the previous clash against his former side KKR, where he scored an unbeaten 25 off 16 balls, including a boundary and a six.
With 288 runs from nine innings at an outstanding average of 48 and a strike rate of 182.27, Iyer has already registered three half-centuries this season. As captain, much will depend on his performance if PBKS are to consolidate their position in the top four. Iyer is the important batsman for Punjab in this crucial match because of his composed demeanor and capacity to both anchor the innings and accelerate when necessary.
Also Read: CSK vs PBKS IPL 2025: Match Preview, H2H, Playing11 & Match Prediction
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