IPL 7, CSK vs KXIP, Live cricket score: Two-time champions face off against perennial underdogs

Chennai Super Kings may be the favourites to win title once again but can Mahendra Singh Dhoni's side shrug off off-field controversies to begin Indian Premier League 7 campaign on a high? Kings XI Punjab may not be a pushover. Catch the updates here.

One team has won the Indian Premier League title twice. The other has been unable to make a strong impact in the previous six editions so far. Chennai Super Kings take on Kings XI Punjab in Friday's first match and ground realities show that the 'vast difference' between the two may not count for much. The updates:

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been the undisputed giants of Indian Premier League (IPL) for several years. Having won the title twice (2011 and 2012), Mahendra Singh Dhoni has marshaled his men well to bring down opposing teams. The last one year though has been unlike any before. Controversies off the field have threatened to steal the thunder from the Men in Yellow. The objective in front of this team though is clear - play hard, play well and play to win not just the title but hearts as well.

Kings XI Punjab are standing in the way of CSK. This team has always been the one to beat to collect full points and move ahead in the table. The script may change this year as George Bailey leads the team under the watchful eyes of the only Indian coach in IPL - Sanjay Bangar. And then there is Virender Sehwag who is a man on a mission - raring to prove that he is still an attacker-par-excellence. The team has several other quality stars including David Miller, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Johnson who can thwart any challenge that is thrown at them. A win in the opening match and a win against a quality side like CSK can bolster the morale of the side and keep it up through the course of the tournament.

Story first published on: Friday, 18 April 2014 12:16

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Shweta Pandey

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