PBKS vs CSK IPL 2025 Match Preview: Team Analysis, Key Players, and Predictions
April 8, 2025
As Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up for Match 22 of IPL 2025 at Mullanpur’s Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, here’s an in-depth analysis of both teams, their squads, and what to expect in this high-stakes clash.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
- Overall Record: CSK lead 16–14 in 30 encounters 18.
- Recent Form:
- PBKS: Lost, Won, Won, Lost, Won (3 wins in 5 matches). They lost their last game to Rajasthan Royals by 50 runs 17.
- CSK: Lost, Lost, Lost, Won, Lost (1 win in 5 matches). Their batting has struggled, with the lowest team strike rate (134.3) in IPL 2025 69.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) Squad Analysis
Key Players:
- Shreyas Iyer (Captain): Leading PBKS with 159 runs in 3 matches at a strike rate of 206.49. His explosive 97* against Gujarat Titans set the tone for PBKS’ campaign 110.
- Nehal Wadhera: Middle-order anchor with 62 and 43* in recent games, crucial for stabilizing the innings 1.
- Arshdeep Singh: Leading PBKS’ bowling with 6 wickets, including 22 death-over scalps since 2023 6.
- Prabhsimran Singh: Explosive opener with a strike rate of 149.18; local knowledge of Mullanpur’s pitch aids his strategy 10.
- Yuzvendra Chahal (Impact Player): Likely to replace Suryansh Shedge for spin support on a pitch favoring pacers 9.
Predicted XI:
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson 9.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Squad Analysis
Key Players:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain): CSK’s top run-scorer (121 runs in 4 matches) with two fifties. Strong against pace on bouncy tracks 610.
- Rachin Ravindra: Struggling post a 65 vs MI but excels against spin (strike rate 145.8) 6.
- Noor Ahmad: Joint-leading wicket-taker (10 wickets) with a 4/18 best 16.
- MS Dhoni (wk): Despite inconsistent form, his experience in crunch moments remains vital 9.
- Khaleel Ahmed: Second-highest CSK bowler with 8 wickets; key in powerplay 1.
Predicted XI:
Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Khaleel Ahmed 9.
Pitch and Venue Insights
- Mullanpur Stadium: Balanced surface with average scores of 174 (1st innings) and 166 (2nd innings). Pacers dominate (74% of wickets), but spinners are economical (7.4 economy) 15.
- Toss Factor: Teams batting first and second have equal wins (3 each) here. PBKS lost 3 of 4 games after winning tosses at home in 2024 3.
Match Predictions
- Toss: CSK may win the toss and opt to bowl first 6.
- Top Performers:
- Most Runs: Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) or Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK) 610.
- Most Wickets: Arshdeep Singh (PBKS) or Noor Ahmad (CSK) 16.
- Winner: PBKS favored due to in-form batting and home advantage. CSK’s reliance on Gaikwad and middle-order fragility could cost them 16.
Final Thoughts:
PBKS’ aggressive batting lineup and balanced bowling attack give them the edge, but CSK’s experience and spin-heavy strategy could turn the tide. Expect a thrilling contest where powerplay dominance and death-over execution decide the outcome.
