Struggling for form but showing some spark at the same time, Kings XI Punjab will have to brace up for another massive challenge when they take on former champions and table-toppers Chennai Super Kings in their Pepsi IPL match here tomorrow.
Punjab ended just four runs shy of what could have been a morale-lifting win over the Mumbai Indians in their most recent match.
They showed the stomach for a fight but just did not get that one crucial knock from any of their batsmen which could have take them to a win.
Chennai, on the other hand, don't seem to be doing anything wrong in what has been a smooth campaign so far. Leaders by quite a distance on the points table after eight wins from 10 matches, they are the team to beat this IPL.
Chennai have won their last six matches, with opener Michael Hussey in sublime form.
Even though he was not among the top run-getters in their game against the Pune Warriors last night, Hussey had smashed a stroke-filled 95 against title holders Kolkata Knight Riders in the match before that. The Australian is the second highest run scorer in the series with 450 in nine games.
Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni too has been in ominous form with the bat, which will be a cause of concern for Punjab, while all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has always proved to be a handy finisher.
West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is the highest wicket-taker for Chennai with 16 scalps to his credit but the Trinidadian has struggled with the bat in the tournament.
Chennai have dropped the under-performing Murali Vijay and Wriddhiman Saha is likely to continue as the opener.
On the bowling front there is some concern as South African all-rounder Albie Morkel has picked up just one wicket in his four games.
But young Indian medium pacer Mohit Sharma has done reasonably well, scalping nine wickets in seven matches at an average of 14.6.
