As the league phase of the Pepsi Indian Premier League 2014 comes to a close, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) look forward to top the table dislodging the current leaders Kings XI Punjab (KIXP) when they meet Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 50th match of IPL T20 this season in Ranchi on Thursday.

On the other hand, with just 10 points from 12 games, Hyderabad has already forfeited their chances of making it to the play-off level. On Thursday, they will be just looking to salvage some of their lost reputation.

Notwithstanding their defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday, Chennai has been a formidable side throughout the tournament. They lost to a spirited Kolkata, as the team was trying to experiment with non-regulars with a view to measure the strength of their reserve bench.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's protégé Suresh Raina had a very quiet start in IPL7, but has lived up to his reputation as the tournament progressed. Even the other batsmen are in form, especially Brendon McCullum.

In contrast, Hyderabad have been inconsistent all through and should only blame themselves for their debacles. Despite a power-packed batting line-up, Hyderabad have miserably failed to perform to their potential.

Skipper Shikhar Dhawan and Aaron Finch have especially been struggling for consistency. In fact, Hyderabad has been miserable in the middle overs.

Although two-time champions Chennai have won most of their matches somewhat easily, Thursday's encounter promises to make the hosts sweat, for Hyderabad will be desperately seeking to salvage some of their reputation.

The match will start at 10.00 a.m. EDT (2.00 p.m. GMT and 8.00 p.m. local time) and can be watched live on GoCricket.com and SkyCricket.net.