IPL: Struggling CSK Eye Redemption, Punjab Kings Target Top-Four Boost

Super Kings aim to play the role of party poopers as in-form visitors push for playoffs qualification

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Chennai Super Kings are all but out of the race to this season's playoffs after a disappointing campaign, but the five-time IPL champions could play party-spoilers to top-four hopefuls Punjab Kings, when the two sides square off in a league match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday.

Languishing at the bottom of the table with just two wins out of nine games, CSK's inability to dominate at the Chepauk, once their fortress, has been the biggest setback this season. Plagued by injuries to key players, the MS Dhoni-led brigade would be desperate to register their third win in the tournament and keep slim hopes of making it to the playoffs alive.

PBKS, on the other hand, are placed fifth in the standings with five wins from nine matches and would look to rise up with a victory against a hapless CSK, which failed to get its combinations right so far in the season.

Of the numerous challenges, the lack of power-hitters in the middle and lower order have affected the side deeply, and has doubled the responsibility on the 43-year-old Dhoni, whose troublesome knee doesn't allow him to bat higher up the order.