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 Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI) 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. 2. Shreyas Iyer – KKR Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: KKR) The newly-appointed skipper of Kolkata Knight Riders, Shreyas Iyer, was one of the most expensive players in the IPL mega auction this year. His recent performances for the national squad spoke volumes of his talent, and the Galaxy of Knights will be hoping to lead from the front. In the recently concluded three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, he was rewarded with the Player of the Series award thanks to his back-to-back blistering fifties. Iyer hails from Mumbai and is very familiar with Wankhede Stadium, which could be one of the reasons he will be at his best right from the first match. He is likely to bat at No. 3, which he prefers the most. There is little doubt over Iyer’s capabilities, and he has a golden opportunity to prove his authority as skipper and batter by making an impact in the first game. 3. Ravindra Jadeja – CSK Ravindra Jadeja. (Photo Source: Twitter/IPL) Cricket pundits see the franchise’s future captain in quality all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. His stature in the team is such that MS Dhoni voluntarily accepted a pay cut to promote him. Popularly known as ‘Sir’ Jadeja, he was a vital cog in CSK’s title triumph last season. Jadeja scored 227 runs at an average of 75.66 and strike rate of 145.51 in the previous season, and picked up 13 wickets in 16 matches. His most notable performance came against the purple cap winner Harshal Patel, when Jadeja went berserk and scored 37 runs in an over during a league stage match against RCB, with 6, 6, 6 (no ball), 6 (free-hit), 6 and 4 being the readings of the 14th over of the game. Jadeja’s recent record guided him to the top of the Test rankings for all-rounders, and the CSK star player can exploit KKR’s bowling attack. Jadeja’s fielding is something that makes him a three-dimensional player, and he likes to make an impact in the game. That could be one of the reasons why he can bring his A-game right from the start. 4. Venkatesh Iyer – KKR Venkatesh Iyer. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI) Venkatesh Iyer was one of the takeaways for the Kolkata franchise last season. His contribution was as vital as anyone else’s in taking the franchise to the finals, and ever since, the lanky all-rounder has never looked back. Incidentally, Iyer rose to fame in the second phase of IPL 2021, scoring 370 runs in 10 matches at an average of 41.11, including three fifties. His ability to hit huge sixes, pick crucial wickets and take spectacular catches makes him a multi-skilled player. Iyer’s all-around performance compelled KKR to retain the young all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh. Iyer’s performance in the tournament will be vital for the franchise doing well in the cash-rich league. 5. Sunil Narine – KKR Sunil Narine batting. (Photo Source: Twitter/Indian Premier League) Sunil Narine‘s track record against the Yellow Army is the best amongst all. He has picked up 20 wickets in 16 matches played against CSK and will be crucial in the first match. Narine has been one of the most loyal players for the franchise as he never turned his coat and has represented KKR ever since. Although much has been written and talked about his exceptional bowling, he also possesses a Caribbean style of batting. He has played some blistering knocks while opening the innings for the side and can add some crucial runs on the board while batting. Narine smashed a 23-ball 57 recently, and clinched two crucial wickets to guide Comilla Victorians to lift the Bangladesh Premier League title against Fortune Barishal. With such talent, Narine has again proven to be dangerous for CSK and can become one of the most valuable players in the match.

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IPL 2022: Predicting 5 MVPs in CSK vs KKR clash

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.

4. Venkatesh Iyer – KKR

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