The last match between the table toppers, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, could not live up to the expectations. Kolkata Knight Riders have lost two straight matches whereas Chennai Super Kings have continued their winning form going. Now, the defending champions are at the pinnacle of the points table as they have won six matches out of the seven they have played. Sportzwiki takes a look at Match Preview, Prediction, Predicted XI, Weather, Pitch, Stats.
Chennai Super Kings had won another close match against Rajasthan Royals by four wickets. It was a thrilling four-wicket victory as Chennai once again came out with flying colors. In fact, the reigning champions once again had their backs against the wall as they were tottering for 24-4.
CSK have the impetus.
However, CSK captain MS Dhoni had once again played a captain’s knock as he had scored a fine knock of 58 runs. Dhoni had continued his good form against Rajasthan Royals as he had previously scored a fine knock of 75 runs against the same team.
Furthermore, there were doubts raised over the form of Ambati Rayudu for the number four position in the World Cup squad. However, the right-hander was able to squash all of them with his fine knock of 57 runs in the previous match against Rajasthan Royals.
Chennai Super Kings bowlers had once again impressed. Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, and Ravindra Jadeja scalped two wickets each in the last match. The Chennai spinners have done a sublime job as they have not only kept the runs in check but also they have taken wickets at the right stages of the match.
KKR have lost their last two matches.
On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders have lost the last two matches. In fact, Dinesh Karthik led side have veered off the track as they haven’t come up with collective effort. They have been solely dependent on the shoulders of Andre Russell, who once again scored a fine knock of 45 runs off just 21 balls in the last match against Delhi Capitals.
Shubman Gill, who had received a promotion in the batting order, was able to grab his chances with both hands. Gill scored a free-flowing knock of 65 runs off just 39 balls with the help of seven fours and two sixes. The prodigy batsman had finally got his chance at the top of the order and he didn’t disappoint with the bat. In fact, Gill should only bat in the top order for the Kolkata Knight Riders as he is wasted in the lower order.
Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine had missed the previous match. However, they are expected to be back in action for the mega contest against the table toppers, CSK.
Detailed Match Preview.
Date and Venue: 14 April, Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Pitch Conditions: As we have seen in the previous matches which have been played at Eden Gardens, the pitch is favourable for the fast bowlers. However, the ball also comes nicely on to the bat which also makes it a high scoring ground.
Weather Report: The temperature is going to be as high as 36-degree Celsius. Thus, it is going to be another hot day in Kolkata. The day is going to be mostly sunny.
Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI:
Players
Role
Chris Lynn
Batsman
Sunil Narine
Bowler
Robin Uthappa
Batsman
Nitish Rana
Batsman
Dinesh Karthik
Wicket-keeper/Batsman
Andre Russell
All-rounder
Shubman Gill
Batsman
Piyush Chawla
All-rounder
Kuldeep Yadav
Bowler
Harry Gurney
Bowler
Prasidh Krishna
Bowler
Chennai Super Kings’ Predicted XI:
Players
Role
Ambati Rayudu
Batsman
Shane Watson
All-Rounder
Suresh Raina
Batsman
Kedar Jadhav
Batsman
MS Dhoni (c)
WK/Batsman
Faf du Plessis
Batsman
Ravindra Jadeja
All-Rounder
Harbhajan Singh
Bowler
Imran Tahir
Bowler
Shardul Thakur
Bowler
Deepak Chahar
Bowler
Head to Head:
Total Matches: 19, CSK – 12, KKR: 7.
Match Prediction: Kolkata Knight Riders will have the home advantage in their favour. However, they don’t have the impetus on their side which Chennai Super Kings have. Thus, Chennai Super Kings will have their wood-on Kolkata Knight Riders.
Stats:
Suresh Raina needs another 31 runs to leapfrog Virat Kohli’s tally of most runs in the IPL. Raina has thus far amassed 5121 runs whereas Kohli has 5151 runs.
Harbhajan Singh has scalped 141 wickets in his IPL career. Ergo, the veteran off-spinner is nine wickets away from completing 150 wickets.