The defending champions Chennai Super Kings will lock horns with Punjab Kings in the 49th clash of the Indian Premier League 2024 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday. CSK demonstrated their dominance against Sunrisers Hyderabad, securing a commanding win, while PBKS defeated Kolkata Knight Riders. Chennai has won 15 out of 28 head-to-head encounters with Punjab, giving it a slight edge in the head-to-head battles. Let's take a look at top five players to watch out for in the clash. IPL 2024: PBKS Fast Bowling Coach Charl Langeveldt Optimistic About Team’s Confidence Boost From Previous Victory Against KKR.

Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK)

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Photo credit: Twitter @ChennaiIPL)

In the last game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad played a classy knock, scoring 98 in just 54 balls, with 10 fours and three sixes. His largely risk-free innings came at a strike rate of over 181.

Jonny Bairstow (PBKS)

Jonny Bairstow (Photo credit: Twitter @PunjabKingsIPL)

In the last match against Kolkata Knight Riders, the vintage, hard-hitting Punjab Kings batter Jonny Bairstow made his return after a lull in the first half of the tournament, scoring 108* in 48 balls, with eight fours and nine sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 225.00.

Tushar Deshpande (CSK)

Tushar Deshpande (Photo credit: Twitter @ChennaiIPL)

Chennai Super Kings right-arm seamer Tushar Deshpande bowled exceptionally well in the previous game against SunRisers Hyderabad where he snapped four wickets in his spell of three overs where he conceded 27 runs. 

Shashank Singh (PBKS)

Shashank Singh (Photo credit: Twitter @PunjabKingsIPL)

In nine matches, the Punjab Kings batter Shashank Singh made 263 runs at an average of 65.75 and a strike rate of over 182, with two half-centuries. His best score is 68*. IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings Eye All-Round Stability Against Unpredictable Punjab Kings.

Shivam Dube (CSK)

Shivam Dube (Photo Credits: JioCinema/Twitter)

In nine matches, Chennai Super Kings batter Shivam Dube has scored 350 runs at an average of 58.03 and a strike rate of 172.41, with two half-centuries. His best score is 66*. Dube is the second-highest scorer for his franchise this season.