CSK vs PBKS IPL 2024 Match 49 Match-Ups: Top 5 Player Battles to Watch Out For

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 49th match of IPL 2024 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

CSK are having a fine tournament, winning 5 of their 9 games and ending their two-match losing streak after beating SRH by 78 runs in their previous game. Meanwhile, PBKS are also coming off a win over KKR after losing their last four straight games.

With both sides looking to continue their winning run, let’s explore five interesting matchups to watch in CSK vs PBKS.

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Kagiso Rabada

Gaikwad has been the top batter for CSK this season. He is set to face Rabada, who generally opens the bowling for PBKS and has good numbers against Gaikwad, giving away 33 runs and dismissing him twice.

2. Jonny Bairstow vs Ravindra Jadeja

Jonny Bairstow is coming off a century in the last game against KKR and will look to continue his form in the upcoming games, but he must be aware of Jadeja, who has dismissed him 8 times in international matches and once in the IPL, conceding just 20 runs off 22 balls.

3. Shivam Dube vs Arshdeep Singh

Dube has been a clean striker of the ball and has been going through a good phase. However, the left-handed batter might find it challenging against Arshdeep Singh, who has dominated him so far, conceding just 22 runs off 15 balls and dismissing him twice.

4. Ajinkya Rahane vs Harshal Patel

Rahane has been promoted to the opening slot recently, but that hasn’t really helped him as a batter, as his performances have dipped. This trend may continue when he faces Harshal Patel, who has good control over him, conceding 20 runs off 15 balls and dismissing him once.

5. MS Dhoni vs Harshal Patel

MS Dhoni has been sensational so far in the tournament, showcasing his attacking batting prowess despite coming down the batting order. However, the veteran wicket-keeper batter could find it tough against the death specialist Harshal, who has kept him in check. Harshal has conceded just 25 runs off 32 balls to Dhoni and has dismissed him twice in the process.