Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) currently placed seventh on the points table would host the bottom placed Deccan Chargers (DC) at Mohali in the 61st match of the Indian Premier League season V. The match holds great importance for KXIP because they are still one of the contenders for the play-offs. And far as Chargers are concerned they are out of the tournament and all they would want is to win some matches and do some good their reputation before signing off from the tournament.

Here are some of the players to watch out for in the match:

Deccan Chargers:

Cameron White: White is in a tremendous form and could give serious trouble to Punjab if he gets going. He is a big hitter of the cricket ball and the team depend on him a lot. White plays spin very well and would be very crucial in the middle overs of the match. The Aussie can clear any ground with ease and the Kings will know it very well that they will have to get White out of their way to get to the desired result.

Shikhar Dhawan: He has batted beautifully throughout the tournament and is in the race to win the Orange cap. He would come into the match after playing a very good hand in their last match against Delhi Daredevils. The left-handed opener has almost all the shots in his book and can take any bowling attack. He would play a crucial role in the match against KXIP.

Dale Steyn: The number one Test bowler in the world will take the new ball for the Chargers. Steyn is a very talented bowler and is already considered to be one of the best fast bowlers in the history of cricket. He is a genuine swing bowler and bowls at a rapid space. Steyn can bowl some match changing spells and will be a threat to Punjab's batting line considering the Mohali pitch which has a lot to offer the quick bowlers.

Kings XI Punjab:

David Hussey: He is a tremendous striker of the ball and has been in decent form of late. Hussey is a player of immense caliber and can turn the course of the match in just a couple of overs. He senses the urgency of the situation very well and knows what to do when and along with his handy off-spin he would definitely be a force to reckon in the match.

Azhar Mahmood: The all rounder from Pakistan has already proved his worth in the tournament and would once be in thick of action against the Chargers. He can play some lusty shots towards the end of the innings and is very useful with the ball as well.

Praveen Kumar: He was off form in the initial stages of the tournament, but last couple of matches has indicated that he is coming back to form. Kumar is an intelligent bowler and depends a lot on swinging the ball. Mohali pitch would offer something for him first up and he would definitely try and make use of it.

By Samikshan Dutta Choudhury

Indian Sports News