CSK eye top spot against KXIP on Saturday

CSK's Suresh Raina (right) with Michael Hussey during a practice session in Chennai recently

Chennai: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will look to go level on points with table-toppers Rajasthan Royals when they play against Kings XI Punjab in an Indian Premier League (IPL) contest at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.

CSK's Suresh Raina (right) with Michael Hussey during a practice session in Chennai recently

Royals are currently at the top of the IPL perch with 10 points from six matches. CSK are close on their heels with eight points from five games.

CSK though have a healthier run rate (+.0948) than Royals (+0.459) and a comprehensive victory on Saturday may well make them the new league leaders.

Two-time champions CSK have looked a formidable outfit, boasting of a strong batting line-up. Kiwi Brendon McCullum has led their batting charge and has been well supported by Suresh Raina and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. But it's not to think that they depend on their batting solely to win matches. Veteran pacer Ashish Nehra has been utilising his vast experience to provide the team early breakthroughs.

Mohit Sharma and R Ashwin also have the requisite ability to complement Nehra with the ball.

Kings XI have had a topsy-turvy campaign so far, winning just two of the five matches. Their batting has failed to fire often with big-hitters Glenn Maxwell and David Miller disappointing mightily. Virender Sehwag who has failed to capitalise on decent starts.

IPL on tv: Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab: Sony Max, Sony Six & Sony Six HD, 20:00