IPL 2022, PBKS vs CSK: Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings seek redemption

Languishing at the 8th spot in the points table, Punjab Kings have managed to pocket only three of their seven games so far, and will seek revival of fortune when they take on a struggling Chennai Super Kings, placed one rung lower than the red and gold brigade, at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday.

The last time they faced each other earlier this month, Punjab held the upper hand with a 54-run win. But with the defending champions eventually ending their forgettable start of five consecutive losses, with victories against RCB and Mumbai Indians, it certainly won't be a walk in the park for Mayank Agarwal's side.

Over the seasons, one thing that has plagued Punjab is lack of consistency, and despite boasting of the best muscle-power in their batting line-up this season, the Kings' vulnerability was exposed by the quality left-arm spin of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, leading to a nine-wicket humiliation at the hands of Delhi Capitals in their previous outing. While Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan have been amongst the runs, their main worry will be the misfiring Englishman Jonny Bairstow, who has been a pale shadow of his glorious best during his stint with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the last couple of seasons.

Having managed 41 runs in four innings at a paltry strike rate of 105. 12, Bairstow will be feeling the pinch as another failure could see him make way for Sri Lankan power-hitter Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who boasts of a staggering strike-rate of 230. 56, and has already proved his credentials in the first three games. The other English import Liam Livingstone has been in superb form, save the last outing against Delhi, which in a way exposed the lack of adaptability of an all-out attacking approach from Punjab.