IPL 2022: Predicting 5 MVPs in CSK vs KKR clash

The first match of the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League will bring defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) up against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 26 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Least to say, the clash between the finalists of the previous edition is going to be a thrilling one as both the franchises have been one of the most successful ones. 

While CSK will kick start their IPL campaign under the leadership of MS Dhoni, KKR have trusted Shreyas Iyer’s leadership skills for the new edition after picking him for a whopping INR 12.25 crore. Both the franchises have faced each other 26 times in the cash-rich league, and the Yellow Army have a clear upper hand in the head-to-head stats as CSK have dominated KKR, having won 16 times, whereas KKR have just emerged victorious on eight occasions. At the same time, one match between both was abandoned in the 2009 season.  

CSK retained players like MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali and Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2022 edition. KKR trusted the services of Andre Russel, Varun Chakravarthy, Venkatesh Iyer and Sunil Narine. However, both the teams have built formidable sides for the upcoming editions. Undoubtedly, players will be eager to make the mark with their impressive performance in the season’s opener; here are five players who can end up as the Most Valuable Players in the season’s opener.    

1.  Ruturaj Gaikwad – CSK  

The current Orange Cap holder has emerged as one of the most prominent faces in the Indian Premier League. Ruturaj Gaikwad amassed 635 runs in 16 matches at an average of 45.35, including an unbeaten 101 against Rajasthan Royals.

Gaikwad can once again turn on his lethal mode at the iconic Wankhede Stadium as the surface favours the batters. In the absence of Faf du Plessis, Gaikwad will have to work out with a new opener this season as the Chennai franchise will be hoping for him to carry on his form from the previous edition.