In the 33rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata tonight i.e. Sunday, April 21 at 7:30 PM IST.
After what seemed to be an amazing season for KKR under renowned domestic coach Chandrakant Pandit, the franchise now struggles to find any redeeming factors. The team has only won two games in six matches, leaving them towards the bottom of the points standings. The two-time IPL champions also lack proper opening combinations and a stable middle order. Furthermore, seasoned players Andre Russell and Sunil Narine have yet to deliver. Although we saw some of Russell’s tremendous hitting against Delhi Capitals (DC), fans know how much more capable he is.
The only positive for KKR is the form of Venkatesh Iyer and Varun Chakaravarthy, and with CSK as opponents, the squad will rely significantly on them. They will also hope Russell’s teaser against SRH transforms into a full-fledged film against the four-time champions.
On the other hand, CSK have done a decent job yet as they have collected eight points from six games. The four-time IPL winners are having a positive start in each game with both their openers, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway, showcasing rich form. The team’s middle-order batting is also on some extraordinary form. Only concern for CSK is their pace attack. The side which consists some domestic fast bowlers hasn’t able to deliver on regular basis. Meanwhile, spinners, under leadership of MS Dhoni, are performing well. Playing at the Eden Gardens, spin bowling will be crucial and thus, Dhoni will look forward to creating an impact right from the word go.
Head-to-head:
CSK have a massive advantage over KKR in the head-to-head competition. Both franchises played against each other on 27 occasions, with Chennai winning 17 and KKR winning nine.
In the last outing between the two teams, which took place in the previous season, KKR won the game by six runs.
Where-to-Watch:
TV: Star Sports Network
OTT: JioCinema