IPL 2022: 5 Probable MVPs for CSK vs KKR clash

The first match of the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will bring defending champions Chennai Super Kings up against Kolkata Knight Riders 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, having won the title a couple of times.

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

CSK retained players like Dhoni, 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, and they are studded with a great set of players. Undoubtedly, players will be eager to make a mark with their impressive performance in the season’s opener.

CricTracker is listing out five probable candidates who can end up as MVP in CSK vs KKR:

Ruturaj Gaikwad – CSK

The incumbent orange cap holder has emerged as one of the most prominent faces in the Indian Premier League. 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 iconic Wankhede as the surface favours batters and CSK opener.

In the absence of 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. Gaikwad has recently coped with wrist injuries and will have to keep himself away from any damages to stay consistent in the tournament. CSK will heavily rely on him this season for a solid start at top of the order.

Shreyas Iyer – KKR

The newly-appointed skipper of Kolkata Knight Riders was one of the most expensive players in IPL auction. His recent performances with the national squad speak volumes of his talent, and the Galaxy of Knights will be hoping for him to lead from the front. In the recently concluded three-match T20 series, he was rewarded with Player of the Series due to back-to-back blistering fifties.

Shreyas Iyer hails from Mumbai and is very familiar with Wankhede Stadium, which could be one of the reasons why we can see Iyer at his best right from the first match. He is likely to bat at number 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.

Ravindra Jadeja – CSK

Ravindra Jadeja’s stature in the team is 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 he picked 13 wickets in 16 matches.

His most notable performance came against purple cap winner Harshal Patel when he went berserk and scored 37 runs in an over during a league stage match against RCB. 6,6,6 (no ball), 6 (free-hit), 6 & 4 were the readings of the 14th over of the game.

Jadeja’s recent record guided him to the top of Test rankings of the all-rounders, and CSK’s 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.

Venkatesh Iyer- KKR

Venkatesh Iyer was one of the biggest takeaways for the Kolkata franchise last season. His contribution was as vital as anyone else 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 2nd 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 make him a player with multi-skills. Iyer’s all-round performance compelled KKR to retain the all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh. Iyer’s performance in the tournament will be vital for the franchise doing well in the cash-rich league.

Sunil Narine – KKR

Narine’s track record against Yellow Army is the best amongst all. He has picked 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 board while batting.

Narine smashed a 23-ball 57 in the 1st innings and clinched two crucial wickets to guide Comilla Victorians to lift the BPL title against Fortune Barishal. With such talent, Narine can once again prove to be dangerous for CSK and become one of the most valuable players in the match.