CSK vs PBKS: Do-or-die clash for Chennai at Chepauk; a look at likely playing XI

Chennai Super Kings ( CSK) face a crucial showdown against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Wednesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, with their IPL 2025 campaign hanging by a thread.

A loss today will officially knock CSK out of the race for the playoffs, ending their hopes of a top-four finish.

The Chepauk, once a fortress, has turned into a stumbling ground for CSK this season. After winning their opener at home against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni’s men have lost four consecutive games in Chennai — to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (by 50 runs), Delhi Capitals (by 25 runs), Kolkata Knight Riders (by 8 wickets), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (by 5 wickets). The team will be desperate to reverse their fortunes and deliver a strong performance in front of their home fans.

Punjab Kings, on the other hand, come into this match sitting in fifth place on the table. A victory today would catapult them straight to second position, trailing only Royal Challengers Bengaluru and leapfrogging Mumbai Indians. CSK, by contrast, are currently at the bottom of the standings with just four points from nine games.

IPL 2025 – CSK vs PBKS: Predicted Playing XIs

Punjab Kings (PBKS) Predicted XI:
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis (w), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Azmatullah Omarzai/Xavier Bartlett, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Predicted XI:
Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (w/c), Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana