Chennai Super Kings will make their way back to MA Chidambaram Stadium, the site of their two victories, after an almost two-week hiatus. The reigning champs haven’t had as much success traveling, as they have dropped their last two games in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, respectively.
The team led by Shreyas Iyer, Kolkata Knight Riders, who have not lost this season, will be touring them in anticipation of their match on Monday. Sunil Narine’s comeback as an opener has been a major factor in KKR’s victory in the last two games, and they would like for the pinch-hitter to cause CSK some trouble as well.
It hasn’t worked out that way this season, despite the fact that the venue has primarily benefited slower bowlers; in the first game, a total of more than 170 was easily chased down, and in the second, the hosts scored more than 200. The visitors wouldn’t be grumbling even if the pitch against KKR plays to the strength of the spinners. Even if CSK wants to return home happy, the club at the top of the points table will seek to maintain their position with a fourth win in four games.
Head-to-head: With an 18-10 record, CSK has dominated KKR. The score in Chepauk is 7-3.
When: April 8, 2024, 7:30 PM IST, Chennai Super Kings vs. Kolkata Knight Riders
Where: Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium
What to anticipate: So date, the matches at this location have been high-scoring affairs with little involvement from dew. The third game of the season might see some changes.
Group Vigilance
Chennai Premier League
Injury/Unavailability: Eric Simmons, the bowling coach, is unsure of Mustafizur Rahman’s availability for tomorrow, despite the fact that his return from the US is expected soon. Regarding Pathirana, Simmons stated that CSK was being cautious by not having him play in the last match and that there isn’t much reason for concern.
Matchups & Strategy: Although Rinku Singh can score a lot of runs in the final overs, Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana of Sri Lanka have been very successful in keeping the southpaw in check. Together, they have conceded just 35 runs in 33 balls, despite the fact that they have never been able to remove him from the game. Pathirana would be helpful on the back end if he made it to the XI.
Likely starting XI: MS Dhoni, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Daryl Mitchell, Ravindra Jadeja, Sameer Rizvi/Mitchell Santner [Substitute for Impact: Mukesh Choudhary]
Knight Riders of Kolkata
Injury/Unavailability: Nitish Rana’s recuperation has not yet been updated. We anticipate that the other players will be available.
Matchups & Strategy: KKR will try to take advantage of Rachin Ravindra’s struggles with the moving ball outside off, which he has demonstrated. Ravindra is the CSK opener.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sunil Narine, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer, Andre Russell, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, and Varun Chakravarthy are the probable members of the starting XI. [Suyash Sharma is the Impact Substitute]
Were you aware?
- Since 2013, CSK has only lost 8 of the 34 games they have played at Chepauk.
- MS Dhoni has only scored 39 runs against Sunil Narine in 74 balls of face-off in the IPL, including one boundary.
What they expressed:
“His work ethic, I believe. His ability to work hard is, in my opinion, his strongest suit. Many believe that skill is the most significant factor, but in reality, hard work and willingness to learn are more vital. Because not everyone is gifted with that kind of ability.” Regarding Angkrish Raghavanshi, Abhishek Nayar
“The competition is lengthy. We desired to exercise caution when making decisions in his (Pathirana’s) presence.” – Eric Simons bowling for CSK
