*KKR VS CSK PREVIEW:*
*THE BUILD UP:*
*CSK ARE ON CLOUD 9:*
No one would have backed CSK’s bowling given their squad strength on paper when the auctions were done and dusted but they have seriously proved people wrong,including me. MS, the mastermind, has taken a toll on all critics again, using the available troops in the best manner possible and winning 4 games already. They have not just conquered their home conditions but also seen an improved effort in the away games, making them a formidable side. Come this game vs an inconsistent KKR outfit at the Eden, CSK should really fancy their chances.
*CSK PROBABLE XI:*
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni(c)(wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Maheesh Theekshana, Maheesh Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Singh
With a batting friendly wicket expected to be provided, expect any of the two openers to go big and consolidate CSK’s chances.
They got the much needed confidence from their game vs RCB on a belter of a wicket and it won’t be a surprise to see them wrack up another 200 runs on board if they bat first.
Stokes’s missing out actually gives CSK a much better balance to play with. They have been using their spinners quite beautifully in the middle and finishing strong with Pathirana at the death as well.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
Ambati Rayudu to come in for any one of Pathirana or Akash Singh as an impact substitute.
*KKR PROBABLE XI:*
Jason Roy, N Jagadeesan, Nitish Rana(c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Lockie Ferguson,Varun Chakravarty
Thakur excelled at this venue vs RCB when they last played here. Taking immense confidence from that game, he could look to settle the odds against his former franchise in Chennai.
Andre Russell has been under the pump this season, taking unnecessary risks and attacking his negative matchup. CSK could once again turn to spin to counter the threat that the explosive Caribbean possesses.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
Suyash Sharma could feature while KKR bowl. He got plenty on offer from the surface the first time he bowled here, and seeing MSD, Rahane, Dube struggle against spin, he could be a real asset.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR CSK:*
Highest run getter- Ruturaj Gaikwad/Ajinkya Rahane
Highest wicket taker- Maheesh Theekshana/Tushar Deshpande
*FOR KKR:*
Highest run getter- Jason Roy/Nitish Rana
Highest wicket taker- Varun Chakravarty/Umesh Yadav
*FOR THE GAME:*
CSK to win