IPL 2024: CSK vs KKR Match 22 - Top 3 player battles to watch out for

Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on the formidable Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 22 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The two are scheduled to clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday, April 8. The home team started their campaign with two straight wins but lost the last two. KKR, on the other hand, will go out as a more confident unit after winning all three matches they have played so far. 

CSK registered their first two wins on their home turf and with the upcoming match to be played at the same venue, they will fancy their chances to get back on the winning track. Notably, the five-time winners also lead the head-to-head records with 18 wins out of 28 encounters. However, given their current form, the visitors, who are second in the points table, start as clear favourites. 

KKR scripted history in their last match against Delhi Capitals (DC) with a score of 272/7, the second-highest in league history. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who hold the record for the highest score (277) in the IPL, thrashed Ruturaj Gaikwad and Co. by six wickets in their last match. Are we going to witness KKR continuing their unbeaten streak or CSK making a comeback? Regardless, both teams have quality players in their ranks to give their fans a visual treat.  

Also Read: Kolkata Knight Riders' strongest predicted playing XI against Chennai Super Kings

Here are the top 3 player battles to watch out for in IPL 2024: CSK vs KKR, Match 22 - 

3. Sunil Narine vs Deepak Chahar

Sunil Narine has been largely credited for KKR's impressive run so far in the tournament. Narine the bowler is overshadowed by Narine the batter as the southpaw is giving his team an explosive start in the powerplay. The Caribbean cricketer has been entrusted with the responsibility of demolishing the bowlers from the word go and expects similar scenes in Chepauk. 

CSK will have to disrupt KKR's aggressive start and they will rely on star pacer Deepak Chahar to do the job. Narine has faced seven deliveries of Chahar in the IPL, and the former has amassed 21 runs with one dismissal. Earlier in the tournament, the right-arm pacer took two wickets in the powerplay while playing against GT at Chepauk. He will aim to repeat the same this time. 

Also Check: IPL 2024 Points Table

2. Andre Russell vs Ravindra Jadeja

Andre Russell has been brilliant with the bat so far this season. He scored a blazing 64 against SRH and a 19-ball 41 in the last match against DC. The Caribbean giant plays the finisher's role well with a strike rate of 238.64. It's hard to stop Russell when he is on song, but Ruturaj Gaikwad can't leave completely in the hands of fortune.

Ravindra Jadeja is likely to be used as a weapon against the big man. Jadeja has a good record at Chepauk and he has dismissed Russell twice in the 20-over format. However, the latter has accumulated 69 runs off just 38 deliveries in this battle. It will be interesting to see who will have the last laugh on Monday. 

Also Check: IPL 2024 Schedule

1. Rachin Ravindra vs Mitchell Starc 

Rachin Ravindra provides a fiery start for CSK while opening the innings. Although he failed to capitalise on the start, his impact on the team was immense. KKR will need to stop the Kiwi batter early on and Mitchell Starc will be tasked with doing the needful. 

This is Ravindra's maiden IPL season and it will be the first time the two are facing each other in the league. However, the southpaw did well against the left-arm pacer in a Test series earlier this season. Starc disappointed in the first two matches, but he showed signs of returning to form by taking two wickets in the last match.