IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders' strongest predicted playing XI against Chennai Super Kings

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will head to Chennai to play their fourth match of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). KKR will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 22nd match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday, April 8. The opponents might be five-time champions, but presently, the upper hand is with Kolkata, who have had a tremendous outing so far.

Having won all of their matches, KKR are one of the two unbeaten teams in the tournament. They are currently second in the points table and will now aim to take the top spot as they already have a massive net run rate (+2.518) following their epic win against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the last match.

DC were annihilated by a margin of 106 runs as KKR, who batted first in Visakhapatnam, posted the second-highest total in league history (272/7). Meanwhile, Chennai are coming on the back of two consecutive defeats. With the match being played at their home ground, CSK will be aiming to get back on the winning track, but KKR's blistering form makes them favourites.

Here is the probable playing XI for KKR for the match against CSK in IPL 2024, Match 22 -

Openers: Phil Salt (WK), Sunil Narine 

The right-left combo of Phil Salt and Sunil Narine is doing wonders for KKR in the powerplay. Salt may not be scoring big, but he is giving the team the start they want. The English opener started the season with a half-century against RCB. KKR will expect another powerful cameo from the right-hander when they take on CSK. 

Narine is currently the most valuable asset in the KKR squad. Predominantly known for his spin magic, the Caribbean cricketer is now showcasing his power-hitting prowess in the opening slot. The southpaw has been giving a fiery start for KKR so far in the tournament. Notably, he made 85 runs off 39 balls in the match against DC and was adjudged Player of the Match.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Orange Cap

Middle-order: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh

Angkrish Raghuvanshi seems to have stolen a spot in the starting XI after his remarkable half-century against DC. Playing his maiden IPL match, the 18-year-old displayed aggressive batting (54 off 27) to keep the tempo going for KKR. He will be followed by captain Shreyas Iyer at number four. The right-hander has not been at his best so far and will have to make up for it to be in contention for the T20 World Cup in June.

Nitish Rana missed the first three matches for KKR due to injury. But the southpaw recently took to his social media handle to hint at his return to the team. Rana has been one of their finest performers in the past seasons and will aim to repeat the same this time around. Rinku Singh is the next man and does he need any introduction? Known for his finishing prowess, Rinku hasn't unleashed his full potential this season but has made scored great cameos.

Click Here: CSK vs KKR Live Score, Match 22

All-rounders: Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell

Ramandeep Singh, who bats in the lower-middle order, did not get many chances but when he did get one against SRH, he did not fail to impress. The right-hander scored 35 runs off just 17 balls at an incredible strike rate of 205.88. Ramandeep is also a handy bowler but KKR are yet to use his medium-pace deliveries.

Andre Russell, the big man, is next in the line-up but he often changes his batting depending on the situation. The Caribbean all-rounder has had dismal outings in the last two seasons, but this time he is making up for it. In the previous match against DC, Russell smacked a 19-ball 41 and also grabbed a wicket. 

Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana

The most expensive player in IPL history will lead KKR's pace attack. The Australian had an awful outing in the first two matches, conceding an economy of over 11. The left-arm quick, however, managed to find his rhythm in the last match by picking up two wickets. Harshit Rana will be the second pacer and has been in decent form, picking up five wickets in two innings. 

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy will have to play a big role against CSK in Chepauk. The Tamil Nadu cricketer is coming on the back of a three-wicket haul and will aim to continue the fine form. He will have assistance from Sunil Narine and Impact Sub Anukul Roy (probably) in the middle overs. 

Also Check: IPL 2024 Purple Cap

IPL 2024: KKR's Probable Playing XI against CSK, Match 22

Phil Salt (WK), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana

Impact substitute - Anukul Roy