On May 27, 2012, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by five wickets. This victory marked a significant milestone in IPL history and was a testament to KKR’s determination and skill.

The Road to the Final

KKR’s journey through the 2012 IPL season was marked by strategic gameplay and consistent performances. Under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, KKR overcame numerous challenges and emerged as strong contenders for the title. Key matches, such as their victories against the Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils, were turning points that highlighted their resilience and tactical prowess.

See Also: Team India reach New York for T20 World Cup 2024

Final Match Overview

The IPL 2012 final was held at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The stage was set for an epic clash between KKR and CSK, the defending champions known for their formidable lineup and previous successes in the tournament.

Chennai Super Kings’ Innings

Winning the toss, CSK captain MS Dhoni decided to bat first, a move that initially seemed advantageous. The opening pair, Michael Hussey and Murali Vijay, gave CSK a flying start, setting a solid foundation for a big total.

Hussey and Vijay stitched together a formidable partnership of 87 runs. Vijay contributed 42 runs before being dismissed by Rajat Bhatia, providing CSK with a significant advantage early in the innings.

Suresh Raina joined Hussey and continued the momentum with a brilliant knock. Hussey, on the other hand, breached the 50-run mark, and together, they forged a partnership of 73 off 41 balls, pushing the score further.

Hussey eventually fell for 54 and was dismissed by Jacques Kallis. Raina’s 73 was crucial in propelling CSK to a daunting total of 190. MS Dhoni chipped in with an unbeaten cameo of 14 off nine balls, ensuring CSK ended their innings on a high. For KKR, Bhatia, Kallis, and Shakib Al Hasan each claimed a wicket, helping to restrict CSK from crossing the 200-run mark.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Chase

KKR’s run chase got off to a shaky start, losing their captain Gautam Gambhir for just two runs in the first over. This early setback could have derailed their chase, but KKR found heroes in Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis.

Bisla played one of the most memorable knocks in IPL finals history. His 89 off 48 balls was a blend of aggression and composure, featuring eight fours and five sixes. Bisla’s ability to handle the pressure and score at a brisk pace was instrumental in KKR’s chase.

Kallis provided the stability needed after the early loss of Gambhir. His partnership of 136 runs with Bisla was the backbone of KKR’s innings. Kallis scored a crucial 69 runs, playing a steady hand that complemented Bisla’s aggressiveness.

The final over saw KKR need nine runs to clinch the title. Manoj Tiwary stepped up, hitting two consecutive boundaries to seal the victory with two balls to spare. Tiwary’s calmness under pressure ensured KKR crossed the finish line in a dramatic fashion.

Celebrations and reactions

The victory sparked jubilant celebrations among KKR players, support staff, and fans. The team lifted the trophy with pride, and the victory lap at the MA Chidambaram Stadium was filled with emotion and joy. Reactions poured in from cricketing legends, former players, and fans worldwide, acknowledging KKR’s brilliant performance.

Player of the Match

Manvinder Bisla was rightly adjudged the Player of the Match for his scintillating innings. His performance in the final became a defining moment of his career, and he received accolades from all quarters for his heroics.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) experienced a rollercoaster ride in the early matches of IPL 2024. After a couple of disappointing defeats, the Yellow Brigade needed a revival. This is where seasoned all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja stepped up, injecting life and energy back into the squad.

Ravindra Jadeja’s Role in Reshaping CSK’s Fortunes

Jadeja’s impact on CSK’s performance cannot be overstated. His multifaceted abilities as a bowler, fielder, and occasional pinch hitter with the bat make him a valuable asset for the team. In the midst of CSK’s struggles, Jadeja emerged as a beacon of hope, showcasing his prowess both on and off the field.

When CSK lost their third wicket chasing the 138-run target, MS Dhoni elevated himself in the batting order, delighting the fans once more. As the Chepauk crowd erupted in excitement at the prospect of Dhoni’s batting, Jadeja playfully teased them by briefly stepping ahead of the former skipper, before quickly retracting in a humorous twist of events.

See Also: Ruturaj Gaikwad not ‘worried’ about slow start to IPL 2024

CSK’s Early Setbacks and Remarkable Recovery

CSK’s journey in IPL 2024 saw them stumble initially, facing defeats against formidable opponents. However, the team displayed resilience and determination, bouncing back with consecutive victories. Notably, their triumph against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Chepauk Stadium marked a significant turning point.

Jadeja’s Spectacular Performance at Chepauk

Jadeja’s contribution extended beyond his bowling prowess. His crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissals of Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and Venkatesh Iyer, disrupted KKR’s momentum and tilted the game in CSK’s favor. Additionally, Jadeja’s sharp reflexes were evident as he grabbed two vital catches, further cementing his impact on the outcome. The all-rounder also grabbed two important catches to remain in the spotlight throughout. For his 3/18 in four overs, Jadeja was rightfully rewarded as the player of the match where CSK won by seven wickets.

“Always enjoy my bowling on these kind of tracks. Was just looking to bowl in good areas. I’ve practiced a lot here – if you bowl in good areas, it helps you. Takes time for visiting team to settle down and plan something. Difficult for them to come here and identify the surface. We know the conditions very well,” said Jadeja after grabbing Player of the Match award.

It was Dhoni’s Plan

Tushar Deshpande, at the post-match interaction, revealed it was Dhoni’s idea to tease the crowd. “Dhoni bhai instructed Jaddu bhai, ‘I will go for batting but you just act like you are going,” Deshpande said while making no effort to hide his grin.

The 22nd match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 witnessed a low-scoring encounter between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Hosts Chennai Super Kings defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by seven wickets to get back to winning ways in the Indian Premier League.

CSK’s Dominant Performance

CSK set the tone early in the match with a phenomenal bowling performance. Ravindra Jadeja led the charge with an impressive spell of 3-18, supported by Tushar Deshpande’s disciplined bowling, claiming 3-33. Mustafizur Rahman showcased exceptional mastery over slower deliveries, contributing significantly to CSK’s efforts in restricting KKR to a below-par total of 137/9.

See Also: IPL 2024: Mayank Yadav set to miss next few matches

KKR got off to a promising start, reaching 56/1 at the end of the Power-play. On his first ball, Jadeja trapped Raghuvanshi LBW, when the batter shaped up for a reverse sweep, and missed it to be out for 24. He then had Narine miscuing to long-off and fall for 27, before returning to have Venkatesh Iyer pulling straight to mid-wicket. Ramandeep Singh was next to fall after being castled by a carrom ball from Theekshana.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Jadeja’s economical spell and Deshpande’s crucial breakthroughs rattled KKR’s batting lineup. The duo’s relentless pressure on KKR’s big hitters altered the course of the game, preventing them from capitalizing on their strong start.

CSK’s Clinical Chase

In pursuit of the target, CSK’s chase began promisingly, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad leading from the front. Gaikwad showcased his batting prowess with an impressive half-century, scoring 67 runs off 58 deliveries. His composed innings steered CSK towards victory, providing the stability needed to anchor the chase.

CSK’s middle order made significant contributions to the chase, with Daryll Mitchell and Shivam Dube playing pivotal roles. Mitchell’s sturdy partnership of 70 runs with Gaikwad laid a strong foundation, while Dube’s aggressive cameo injected momentum into CSK’s innings, adding valuable runs to the total.

Former CSK captain MS Dhoni’s entry into the crease further bolstered CSK’s batting lineup. Although Dhoni’s contribution was minimal, his experience and calm demeanour provided stability to the team’s chase, instilling confidence in the middle order.

Most catches by a fielder in the IPL
110 – Virat Kohli
109 – Suresh Raina
103 – Kieron Pollard
100 – Rohit Sharma
100 – Ravindra Jadeja*
98 – Shikhar Dhawan

Lowest 1st innings total for KKR vs CSK
108/9 at Chennai, 2019
119/9 at Kolkata, 2013
137/9 at Chennai, 2024*
139/8 at Chennai, 2010

KKR at Chepauk in IPL
Mats: 14
Won: 4
Lost: 10

CSK have won eight of the 11 IPL matches against KKR at Chepauk

Most PoTM awards for CSK in IPL
15 – MS Dhoni
15 – Ravindra Jadeja*
12 – Suresh Raina
10 – Ruturaj Gaikwad
10 – Michael Hussey

IPL 2024 Points Table After CSK vs KKR Match:

The ongoing game between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) witnessed a remarkable beginning, courtesy of Tushar Deshpande’s stellar performance on Monday (April 8) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

CSK’s Decision to Bowl First

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss set the stage for an intriguing encounter against KKR’s formidable opening duo, Phil Salt and Sunil Narine.

See Also: Watch: Chepauk officials refuse entry for KKR banners

Tushar Deshpande wasted no time in proving his captain’s decision right. Opening the bowling attack, Deshpande dismissed the dangerous Phil Salt for a duck with his very first delivery of the game. Salt attempted a big shot off a back-of-length delivery outside the off stump, only to find Ravindra Jadeja’s safe hands at backward point.

Entry into the Elite Club

Deshpande’s early breakthrough earned him a prestigious place in the annals of cricket history. He joined an elite list of CSK bowlers, becoming only the fourth player and the first since 2018 to claim a wicket on the first ball of a game for CSK. This feat places him alongside the likes of Lakshmipathy Balaji, Albie Morkel, and Deepak Chahar.

CSK Bowler to take wicket on the first ball in IPL:

• Lakshmipathy Balaji v DC, 2009
• Albie Morkel v DCH, 2009
• Deepak Chahar v SRH, 2018
• Tushar Deshpande v KKR, 2024

CSK’s Recent Performance

After starting the season with two victories, CSK encountered setbacks in their last two matches. With high hopes pinned on Deshpande’s impactful start, CSK aims to regain their winning momentum against KKR.

KKR’s Winning Streak

In contrast, KKR has enjoyed an unbeaten run in IPL 2024, securing victories in all three of their previous encounters. The team looks forward to extending their triumphant streak against CSK.

Match Update: CSK vs KKR

After losing the toss, KKR opened for batting but kept on losing the wickets at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 8 April. They scored 137/9 in 20 overs and gave Ruturaj’s CSK 138 runs target to chase. For CSK, Tushar Deshpande and Ravindra Jadeja picked three wickets each, while Mustafizur Rahman took two wickets and Maheesh Theekshana clinched one.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fans were in for a disappointment when they visited the iconic Chepauk Stadium for a clash between their beloved team and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The fervent supporters were denied entry into the stadium while carrying KKR posters and banners, leading to a wave of discontent among the fanbase.

Disappointment Among KKR Fans

The news of KKR fans being barred from entering the Chepauk Stadium with their team’s paraphernalia spread like wildfire across social media platforms. Fans expressed their dismay over the incident, labelling it as shambolic and unfair to the passionate supporters who had travelled to support their team.

See Also: IPL 2024: Jadeja’s spectacular spell helps CSK lead the show

Fan Outrage at Chepauk

The decision to prohibit KKR banners and posters inside the stadium was met with widespread outrage among the KKR faithful. Many questioned the legitimacy of denying entry to fans based on their allegiance to a particular team, especially in a league as inclusive and diverse as the Indian Premier League (IPL).

CSK’s Performance and Home Advantage

CSK’s decision to enforce strict regulations regarding banners and posters can be attributed to their desire to maintain a home advantage. With the team struggling to find form in the initial stages of the tournament, CSK’s management likely saw restricting KKR’s supporters as a means to tilt the scales in their favour.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Unbeaten Streak

Despite the setback at Chepauk, the Kolkata Knight Riders have been on a remarkable run in IPL 2024. With three consecutive victories under their belt, including impressive performances from both batsmen and bowlers, KKR currently sits comfortably at the second spot in the points table.

About the Match: CSK vs KKR

After losing the toss, KKR opened for batting, but kept on losing the wickets at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 8 April. They scored 137/9 in 20 overs and gave Ruturaj’s CSK 138 runs target to chase. For CSK, Tushar Deshpande and Ravindra Jadeja picked three wickets each, while Mustafizur Rahman took two wickets and Maheesh Theekshana clinched one. 

Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed several remarkable victories that showcased his leadership skills and the team’s resilience. When Gautam Gambhir assumed the role of captaincy for KKR, he faced immense pressure due to the departure of Sourav Ganguly, a beloved figure among fans. The challenge was not just to lead the team but also to win back the support of disillusioned fans.

See Also: Former BCCI chief N Srinivasan honored Ashwin with Rs 1 crore, check the full report

On 8th April 2011, Gambhir led the KKR squad onto the field for the first time as captain. Despite the pressure, Gambhir showcased his unique style of leadership, which immediately caught the attention of fans and critics alike.

Despite losing his first match as captain by a narrow margin, Gambhir’s leadership set the tone for the rest of the season. Under his guidance, KKR went on to achieve their best-ever performance in the IPL, reaching the semi-finals for the first time in the franchise’s history.

In subsequent seasons, Gambhir continued to showcase his strategic brilliance, particularly in setting up the field during matches. One notable instance was when he surprised everyone by employing unconventional field placements against MS Dhoni in IPL 2015.

Let’s explore three memorable wins that left an indelible mark in KKR’s IPL journey under Gambhir’s captaincy.

IPL 2012 Final: KKR vs. CSK

In the final match of IPL 2012, KKR faced the formidable Chennai Super Kings (CSK) led by MS Dhoni. It was a high-stakes encounter, with both teams vying for their maiden IPL title. Despite a challenging total of 190 runs set by CSK, KKR’s bowlers delivered a stellar performance, restricting CSK to 190/3. KKR’s chase was anchored by Manvinder Bisla’s blistering knock of 89 runs off 48 balls, guiding the team to their first IPL title with a memorable victory by five wickets.

12th May 2013: KKR vs. RCB

In the 60th match of IPL 2013, KKR faced Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a crucial encounter. With RCB batting first and setting a modest target of 116 runs, KKR’s spin maestro Sunil Narine wreaked havoc, clinching four critical wickets. Despite early setbacks in the chase, Jacques Kallis’s innings of 41* runs steered KKR to victory, showcasing the team’s resilience under pressure and Gambhir’s astute captaincy.

Qualifier 1, IPL 2014: KKR vs. Kings XI Punjab

In Qualifier 1 of IPL 2014, KKR clashed with table-toppers Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) to secure a spot in the final. Opting to bat first, KKR posted a challenging total of 163 runs. The bowlers, led by Umesh Yadav and Morne Morkel, staged a remarkable comeback, restricting KXIP to 135/8. KKR emerged victorious by 28 runs, showcasing their ability to thrive under pressure and setting the stage for their eventual triumph in IPL 2014.

33rd Match, IPL: Chennai Super Kings 235 for 4 (Rahane 71, Conway 56, Dube 50, Khejroliya 2-44) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 186 for 8 (Roy 61, Rinku 53, Theekshana 2-32, Deshpande 2-44) by 49 runs

The IPL record for the most sixes in an innings (21), which was set on this day in 2013, was in danger of being broken for a while. Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, and Devon Conway’s swashbuckling runs helped Chennai Super Kings set a record first-innings score at Eden Gardens, but they fell just three short of that total.

Kolkata Knight Riders lost two wickets inside the initial three overs and simply played get up to speed for quite a bit of their pursuit. They eventually fell short and suffered their fourth defeat in a row. This implied MS Dhoni’s men are currently top of the competitor list with five successes in seven matches, two clear of a logjam that has five groups on eight focuses each.

CSK set the pace  

Ajinkya Rahane and Dube led the six-hit spree, hitting five of them in a 29-ball 71 that gave Super Kings momentum in the middle order.

The crude numbers from their association read like this: 32 balls, 85 runs, four fours, and eight sixes This came after Conway played another great innings, scoring a fourth consecutive century to set the stage for the match with Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Another excellent demonstration of timing, power, wrist strength, and muscle was their 73-run opening stand that lasted just 7.3 overs. When KKR’s bowlers noticed that there wasn’t much swing, they went length into the pitch up front, which didn’t work because Conway was great at picking lengths and hitting them square on both sides.

Suyash’s strike offset by sustained aggression

In Suyash Sharma’s first over, all of the elements that make for compelling viewing when a leg spinner is on were in play, including flight, rip, and a turn to beat the inside edge. The crowd of 60,000 was ecstatic, as the home team had an opening, and Gaikwad was taken aback. Yet, the help was immediately balanced with Conway skirting down to send off Sunil Narine for an enormous six down the ground.

In the eleventh over, the 100 was up, and CSK seemed optimistic about continued aggression. Conway ultimately passed away because he was unable to completely remove Varun Chakravarthy’s elevation, but Dube got in the act with two huge hits in the same over. When Varun attempted a carrom ball into the pitch, the first of these was a 100-meter hit to deep midwicket. Then when Varun went full, he was tonked down the ground, over the sight screen.

Ajinkya Rahane takes the attack to Umesh

Rahane made it three sixes in a row for CSK in the very next over, the 14th, when he played a stunning pick-up shot while using Umesh Yadav’s pace and letting his wrists take over. He was free of any constraints that might have been placed on him prior to the season, and it was instinctively driven, top-notch batting. He appeared to profit from the role’s clarity.

He was no longer an anchor; Instead, he was unlocking his avatar as a destroyer. The over would yield a sixth, which would be lofted over fine leg, as well as one of the most stunning extra cover drives you would ever see: feet to the pitch, leaning into the stroke, and lacing the ball through the offside.

That was the beginning of an entrancing entry as Rahane and Dube, one more hitter who appears to be engaged to play a game he has long taken steps to, had a good time and made the bowling assault look passerby. Dube hit 20 while Rahane hit 24 for his fifty. KKR went into the break deflated, scoring 75 in the final five overs.

KKR stumble early

In the first over, Narine saw his off-stump cartwheel, and in the second, N Jagadeesan was out to Ravindra Jadeja’s athleticism. Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana then, at that point, swung hard and associated some every once in a while, before Moeen Ali and Jadeja struck in successive overs. Rana dragged a slog sweep to Gaikwad at deep midwicket while Venkatesh was out lbw sweeping a full ball.

Roy’s blitzkrieg

At this point, Jason Roy joined the party and quickly settled in, winning with a 6, 6, and 6 on Moeen’s second, third, and fourth balls. The initial two were strong trudges, and when Moeen terminated one full in attempting to address his line, he was opposite cleared behind point. As he raced to a 19-ball half-century, Roy was in the mood to smash anything fired away from his arc and connected more often than he missed. The equation had reached 109 off 36 by that time.

The Sri Lankan flavor to the finish

He didn’t give up and continued to strike. Subsequent to taking Maheesh Theekshana for two fours to start the fifteenth, he was out off the third ball to a full conveyance that plunged and slid under his strong swing. KKR’s win percentage was less than one percent even after all that magic. Two overs later, when his Sri Lanka partner Matheeshan Pathirana sent back Andre Russell, you got the feeling that it was down over for KKR. Regardless of all that Rinku Singh did at the opposite finish to make 50 years of his own.

KKR vs CSK Match Preview

Chennai Super Kings will travel to Kolkata to face the Knight Riders in a battle for first place in the points table. The 4-time IPL champions will be looking to resurrect their best form after a two-game winning streak entering match 33. KKR, on the other hand, will be looking to get back on track. After starting their 2023 season with a loss, Chennai Super Kings appear to be on a roll, having won four of their last five games. While their batting lineup has been outstanding since game one. Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, started their season with a loss but quickly picked up the pace, winning their next two games.

KKR vs CSK Match Details

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings – 33th Match

Venue: Eden Gardens – Kolkata

Date & Time: 23th April 2023 at 07:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Jio Cinema

KKR vs CSK Venue Stats

KKR vs CSK Pitch Report

Eden Gardens’ wicket is flat, allowing batsmen to play their strokes. Although the pacers will have an easier time getting swing with the new ball in the early overs, the spinners will struggle in the middle overs.

KKR vs CSK Weather Report

With no chance of rain, the humidity will be around 80%, with temperatures ranging from 32 to 26 degrees.

KKR vs CSK Last Five Matches

KKR vs CSK Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

KKR vs CSK Probable Playing XIs:

Kolkata Knight Riders Probable Playing XIs

Litton Das (Wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Varun Chakravarthy, Rinku Singh, Jason Roy, Umesh Yadav, Nitish Rana (C), Shardul Thakur, Mandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine

Chennai Super Kings Probable Playing XIs

Ajinkya Rahane, Maheesh Theekshana, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, Moeen Ali, Akash Singh, Devon Conway, Deepak Chahar, MS Dhoni (C) (Wk)

Topmost Picks for KKR vs CSK Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Kolkata Knight Riders

• Andre Russell: Although he did face 31 balls in the previous game, Russell found it tough to explore, managing to score only 38 runs.
• Varun Chakravarthy: The mystery spinner is entering Match 33 after taking 2 wickets and having an economy rate of 4.25 in the previous game against DC.

Top Picks – Chennai Super Kings

• Devon Conway: Not only did he score an impressive half-century in the previous game but Conway is also amongst the batsman contesting for this year’s orange cap.
• Ravindra Jadeja: India’s prime all-rounder finally got his elegance back with the ball, taking 3 wickets in the previous game. Not only did he bowl his quota of 4 overs.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for KKR vs CSK Dream11 Team:

Devon Conway, Nitish Rana, Venkatesh Iyer(VC), Ruturaj Gaikwad(C), Rinku Singh, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Akash Singh

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for KKR vs CSK Dream11 Team:

Devon Conway(C), Nitish Rana, Venkatesh Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali(VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway

Vice-captain – Venkatesh Iyer, Moeen Ali

Wicketkeeper – Devon Conway

KKR vs CSK Probable Winners:

Kolkata Knight Riders have exceptional talent at their disposal in the form of – Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Jason Roy yet none of them have come alive in the first six games consistently. On the other hand, CSK’s batting order might not be as lethal as other franchises yet their top order has been delivering in every game. Moreover, the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Maheesh Theekshana, and Moeen Ali also provide depth to their bowling attack. This is just why we pick Chennai Super Kings to beat Kolkata Knight Riders. Considering the team combination, Chennai Super Kings are expected to win this match.

After two heroic performances to give Kolkata a win, their performances have fallen. They are in a losing run with three losses in a row as they come back to the Eden Gardens to take on the Chennai Super Kings. CSK are in the middle of a good run. They have won their last two games, and have done so despite losing some of their first choice players due to injuries. They have found heroes though in Ajinkya Rahane, and their openers, while Matheesha Pathirana has been a find for them at the death.

KKR vs CSK Match Details

Date: April 23rd, 2023

Time:  7:30 PM IST

Venue: Kolkata

KKR vs CSK Weather Report

A warm evening is expected at Kolkata.

KKR vs CSK Pitch Report

With spin in the track and the ball stopping as it gets older, batting first could be a better option.

KKR vs CSK Head-to-Head

KKR vs CSK Predicted Playing XII

CSK Playing XI

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ambati Rayudu/ Akash Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana

KKR Playing XI

Jason Roy, Litton Das, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Mandeep Singh, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy

KKR vs CSK Key Players

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja has been getting a grip and turn and also seems to have found some of his rhythms with the bat. He has been a touch under used, but will be a huge player in the upcoming game, especially with the small boundaries providing a massive challenge to him with the ball.

Andre Russell

Russell has been struggling a touch with cramps, but with the bat he seems to be finding his range again. He has been getting the big hits to fly, and if he does get his explosiveness to work consistently, KKR will look a lot more powerful.

CSK’s Top Five Batters This Season

KKR’s Top Five Batters This Season

CSK’s Top Five Bowlers This Season

KKR’s Top Five Bowlers Last Season

Rivalries to Watch Out For

Ajinkya Rahane vs Sunil Narine: Ajinkya Rahane is in good form, but it remains to be seen how he will take on quality spin bowling with his new style of play. Against Narine, he has struggled in the past getting out four times at an average of 17.75

KKR vs CSK Match Tips

Despite their results Kolkata could back themselves to win given they are back at home and have a good spin attack to take on Chennai’s middle-order.

Match Prediction: Kolkata Knight Riders Will Win the Match