IPL 2018: Match 33, KKR vs CSK, Preview- Knight Riders aim to topple the might of Super Kings

The match between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be staged at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Despite playing on their home turf, the Knights won’t start as the favourites, purely on the basis of current form. CSK have been clinical and have turned over oppositions even after being pushed on the back-foot.

On the contrary, Chennai’s batsmen have been belligerent and most importantly, they had someone or the other who put their hands up in their hour of need. They have traced down humungous targets and also have the depth to compensate, provided they suffer a collapse. The toss could be a major determinant and if CSK get to chase, then Dinesh Karthik’s men would be in for a stern challenge.

Team Combination     

Kolkata Knight Riders

Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine have performed decently against the RCB and hence it’s unlikely that KKR would make any changes there. The major concern would Nitish Rana’s injury and Ishank Jaggi might replace him, provided he doesn’t play. Andre Russell played a herculean knock against CSK and he would also look to deliver after his golden duck on his birthday.

The bowlers have a task on their hands and would have on top of their game in order to make inroads into Chennai’s batting lineup. Sunil Narine hasn’t been able to display the effectiveness he is known for. The likes of Piyush Chawla might be entrusted with in the power-play. Meanwhile, Shivam Mavi, Mitchell Johnson and Andre need to play their part as well.

Predicted XI

Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana/ Ishank Jaggi, Dinesh Karthik (capt & wk), Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Shivam Mavi, Piyush Chawla, Mitchell Johnson, Kuldeep Yadav

Chennai Super Kings

The opening stand of Faf du Plessis churned out 100+ runs against the Delhi Daredevils and CSK are highly unlikely to tinker with the same. The experiment of sending Ambati Rayudu in the middle order has paid off and he might again be sent at number four. MS Dhoni has either promoted or demoted himself as per the needs of the team and it would be interesting to see his batting position.

The bowling has faltered at times against the Daredevils and need to find his rhythm at the earliest. Lungi Ngidi was impressive in his debut game for CSK and KM Asif also looked decent in his maiden game. Karn Sharma and Harbhajan Singh’s role, on a traditionally slow wicket, will also be crucial. Shane Watson has gone for runs, however, he still remains to be an asset to the team.

Predicted XI

Faf du Plessis, Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (capt & wk), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Karn Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, KM Asif, Lungi Ngidi

Players to watch out for

Andre Russell- Kolkata Knight Riders

Andre Russell played a blinder against the same franchise last time around where he whacked the leather into the stands with utmost ease. He has been in bludgeoning form and his role would be vital in order for the Knights to compete against MS Dhoni’s men. His prowess a fast-bowler also needs to come to the fore for CSK to come out trumps.

Suresh Raina- Chennai Super Kings

Suresh Raina slumped to a low score against the Daredevils and failed to perform on a decent batting wicket. He has been a stalwart for the Super Kings in the middle order and has been consistent in the tournament. The left-handed batsman would be banked to again shoulder a chunk of the responsibility in order for Chennai to rack a massive score.

Head to Head

Played- 17, CSK- 11, KKR- 6, NR/Tie- 0

Stat Attack

48 – Number of wickets Piyush Chawla has picked up in his IPL career for KKR. He needs two more wickets to become the 2nd player after Sunil Narine to bag 50 IPL wickets for the team.

Broadcast Details

TV– Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Jalsha (Bengali), Star Maa Movies (Telegu), Star Sports Tamil

Online– Hotstar & YuppTv

Match Timings: 20:00 IST, 14:30 GMT

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