The 22nd encounter of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 features Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, tonight, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
KKR head into this clash unbeaten, sitting second in the league table after three consecutive wins. CSK, in contrast, find themselves at number four with two wins and losses, each.
The defending champions will be eager to get back on track after suffering two consecutive defeats. Their batting lineup, particularly top-order batsmen Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane have been inconsistent in converting promising starts into substantial scores. However, Shivam Dube has emerged as their batting hero with 148 runs in four innings, providing crucial impetus in the middle overs. Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Moeen Ali, and Darryl Mitchell add firepower to the batting lineup in the latter part of the match.
CSK’s bowling attack faces a stern test against a KKR batting lineup that has been tearing bowling attacks apart. They might also be missing out on the services of their leading wicket-taker Mustafizur Rahman due to national team commitment. The onus will be on Deepak Chahar and Mukesh Choudhary to provide early breakthroughs with the new ball. Maheesh Theekshana has impressed with his control and will aim to restrict the flow of runs alongside Tushar Deshpande. Ali and Jadeja offer valuable spin options, adding variety to the attack.
KKR, under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, have enjoyed a dream start to the season. Their emphatic 106-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) showcased their batting prowess. Openers Sunil Narine and Philip Salt will be crucial for providing a solid foundation, with Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Venkatesh Iyer keeping the scoreboard ticking in the middle overs. The explosive duo of Andre Russell and Rinku Singh pose a significant threat at the death, aiming to propel the two-time champions to a formidable total.
While their batting has been exceptional, the Knight Riders’ bowling remains a slight concern. Mitchell Starc and Vaibhav Arora impressed in the previous match, and the team hopes for a similar performance. Varun Chakaravarthy and Narine will be key figures with their spin-bowling expertise, especially during the middle overs. Venkatesh and Russell can also contribute with their bowling, offering valuable support to the frontline bowlers.
Head-to-Head:
Historically, the Ruturaj-led unit holds the upper hand in this rivalry, winning 18 out of the 29 encounters against KKR. However, the Iyer-led team’s current form makes the side a force to reckon with.
Where-to-Watch:
OTT: JioCinema