IPL 2018: Match 5, CSK vs KKR, Preview: Chennai brace for grand comeback at Chepauk

The eleventh season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has begun handsomely for both Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The franchises strained during certain phases of their respective games but managed to recover in time and registered victories against the Mumbai Indians and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) respectively.

The teams seem to be good shape, however, as both have their own sets of concern ahead of tomorrow’s game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. From Kolkata’s perspective, their bowling needs to be sorted to some extent. Kuldeep Yadav and Vinay Kumar who were taken for runs by Virat Kohli’s men, have to step up against a formidable lineup of CSK.

Chris Lynn, following a failure in the opening game, would want to get a score under his belt. From CSKs perspective, they have to find an appropriate replacement of Kedar Jadhav. Meanwhile, their top and middle order also need to string together better shows. For the time being, the Chepauk would be itching for MS Dhoni and his boys to take charge on Tuesday.

Playing Combination

Chennai Super Kings

Apart from Kedar Jadhav’s omission, the Super Kings won’t want to tinker with their winning combination. Murali Vijay and Shane Watson are most likely to open the batting followed by Suresh Raina. Ambati Rayudu might be dropped down to the middle-order. MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja would also be looking to get their form back.

Chennai would be hoping for Dwayne Bravo to deliver in all departments. Deepak Chahar and Mark Wood have to shoulder the mantle of fast bowling before Bravo takes charge. Harbhajan Singh, being a seasoned campaigner, have to play his part as well. Imran Tahir’s leg-breaks also need to come to the fore for Chennai to dictate terms to the Knights.

Predicted XI

Shane Watson, Murali Vijay, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (capt & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Deepak Chahar, Harbhajan Singh, Mark Wood, Imran Tahir

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders are likely to stick to the lineup which played against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine are the openers followed by a strong middle-order. Nitish Rana and Dinesh Karthik would be expected to replicate their performance in Chennai. Robin Uthappa, who looked rusty with the willow, would be itching to hit his straps at the earliest.

In the bowling department, Kuldeep Yadav and Vinay Kumar dished out erratic performance earlier. However, they have the capability to come back strong. Chawla, Narine kept the batsmen in check with clever variations. Mitchell Johnson also looked in a good rhythm at the Eden Gardens. Last but not the least, the part-time option of Nitish Rana might also be used by the Knights.

Predicted XI

Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (capt & wk), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Vinay Kumar, Piyush Chawla, Mitchell Johnson, Kuldeep Yadav

Players to watch out for

Suresh Raina- Chennai Super Kings

Suresh Raina made his comeback for the Chennai franchise after a couple of years, however, couldn’t make any impact. The southpaw would definitely have to come to the party if Chennai is to tackle the might of the Knight Riders’ attack. Dinesh Karthik’s men would be wary of the game-changing skills of the Uttar Pradesh cricketer.

Sunil Narine- Kolkata Knight Riders

Sunil Narine couldn’t decimate RCB with his bag tricks with the leather but managed to wreak havoc with the willow in hand. The crowd could be in for another exciting night provided Narine gets going with the willow. The Knight Riders would also be banking on the Trinidadian to make inroads in the Chennai batting lineup.

Head to Head

Played- 16, CSK- 10, KKR- 6, NR/Tie- 0

Stat Attack

Chennai Super Kings lost only once in their last 12 IPL games at their home ground Chepauk.

MS Dhoni (2992) needs eight more runs for becoming the 2nd CSK player after Suresh Raina to score 3000 IPL runs.

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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