3 Key Factors That Could Decide The Winner Of CSK vs PBKS IPL 2025 Match

Debashis Sarangi

PBKS opening pair could be a major challenge for CSK [Source: AP]PBKS opening pair could be a major challenge for CSK [Source: AP]

This evening, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will cross swords against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match number 49 of the IPL 2025 season. The high-voltage encounter will be played at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 

Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS have been impressive in the IPL 2025, claiming the fifth position with five wins in nine matches. On the contrary, CSK, having lost seven games, are languishing at the bottom of the table. 

As these two sides get ready to face each other, here are three key factors that could decide the outcome of this match. 

1. Prabhsimran And Priyansh's Opening Partnership

Batting Pair
Runs
Gill-Sudharsan541
Kohli-Salt376
Prabhsimran-Priyansh360
Markram-Marsh353
Abhishek-Head316

(Most successful opening pairs in IPL 2025)

  • Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have been the pillars of Punjab's batting this season. The dynamic duo currently sits as the third most successful opening pair in IPL 2025, recording 360 runs at a superb average of 40 in nine outings. 
  • Both players are flamboyant and can ensure a brisk start for the Kings with their scintillating stroke play. If the CSK bowlers don't get them out, these two can establish the foundation for a huge score and run away with the game. 
  • Thus, how the likes of Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj deal with Punjab's explosive opening duo could be decisive in the game's context.  

2. CSK Spinners vs PBKS Middle Order

  • The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has offered significant assistance to the spinners, who have scalped 31 out of 65 wickets at the venue this season. 
  • In such a scenario, Noor Ahmad and Ravindra Jadeja will likely be CSK's go-to bowlers against Punjab, especially in the middle overs. 
  • Noor has bagged the most wickets for CSK (14), while Jadeja can dismantle the opponents with his immaculate line on Chepauk's spin-friendly deck. 
  • Thus, the contest between the CSK spin twins and PBKS batters, who recently struggled against the RCB's Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, might be a deciding factor in this match. The onus will be on Shreyas Iyer, who averages 52.8 against these two bowling types in the IPL. 

3. How PBKS Counter CSK's Young Blood

  • Recently, CSK roped in promising South African batter Dewald Brevis as a replacement for Gurjapneet Singh in a bid to address the timidness in their batting lineup. 
  • The inclusion of young players like Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre and Brevis has certainly strengthened CSK's batting unit, with the likes of Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja playing as the experienced campaigners. 
  • These three players hold significant importance for the Super Kings. While Rasheed and Mhatre can ensure a brisk start, Brevis has the ability to torment Punjab Kings' bowling attack in the middle overs. 
  • The swashbuckling batter looked in great touch in the previous game, scoring 42 runs off just 25 deliveries. Thus, if Punjab Kings don't dismiss these three players, they could pay a heavy price for it.