Live Cricket Score of Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab, 24th Match, IPL 2015

In each of their three games against the CSK last season, KXIP notched up scores in excess of 200. CSK, not used to copping a battering in IPL, faced crushing defeats in each of their three games. KXIP were on a roll then. Things are different this season. Carrying a mis-firing middle-order, KXIP haven't been at their dominant best and currently occupy the seventh spot. CSK however, like only they can do, continue to defy the law of averages and look primed to reserve another playoff berth.

However an interesting sub-plot defines this game. Glenn Maxwell hasn't been himself since the end of the World Cup. Ravichandran Ashwin, ditto! Will the presence of the other in the opposite dug-out inspire each to lift their games? Will Ashish Nehra continue his fine form and snatch back the purple cap from Tahir?

Welcome to Chepauk for Game 24 for the IPL. This should be fun.

MS Dhoni won the toss and decided to bat first at Chepauk. CSK will stick to the formula that has served them well in the two games played at this venue. After Gayle at RCB, it's Maxwell's turn to sit out of this one as Kings XI will play Shaun Marsh, their super-over hero. Bailey of-course returns as captain.

So much for my pre-match build up about Ashwin and Maxwell! Big call from the KXIP management but one that needed to be taken, in retrospect. Also missing this one is Shivam Sharma and Karanveer takes place.

Chennai, of course are playing an unchanged eleven.

KXIP: M Vijay, V Sehwag, S Marsh, G Bailey, D Miller, W Saha, A Patel, M Johnson, K Singh, Anureet Singh, Sandeep Sharma
KXIP: M Vijay, V Sehwag, S Marsh, G Bailey, D Miller, W Saha, A Patel, M Johnson, K Singh, Anureet Singh, Sandeep Sharma

You can always count on a South African to hold on to a catch. Well they have their bad days, but David Miller wasn't going to drop that. McCullum's blitz ended after 66 runs when he hit an Axar delivery straight down Miller's throat at long-off. Raina however continued to enjoy a charmed stay at the crease. He picked up two boundaries off outside edges to move to 24 off 20. My colleague is happy, Raina is his Power Player. Who is yours?

Raina continued to struggle in Karanveer's next over, even falling over attempting a slog sweep. Haven't seen Raina this fidgety at the crease in coloured clothing.

Over to you guys? Do you think the KXIP management were right in benching Maxwell? Considering the record he has against CSK. Players like those usually need just the one game to turn it around. And what better than to use your bunny team to get going.

Tweet your responses