KKR vs CSK Match Preview
Playing without some of their key players including Shreyas Iyer and Shakib Al-Hasan, the Kolkata Knight Riders saw some good performances with the bat from the likes of Venkatesh Iyer, Nitesh Rana, and Rinku Singh, which saw them win a couple of games.
However, the lack of big names in the top order has dented the team’s performance in the last few matches.
KKR has roped in Jason Roy as a replacement for Shakib, while Litton Das too has joined the squad and we hope to see a few good performances from them in the upcoming matches. The fact is that KKR has been helped by some close (miraculous) wins to its name and that is not something that you can depend on.
In particular, its bowling lineup seems to be the worst in IPL 2023.
The spinners, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sunil Narine, and Suyash Sharma have done a good job so far, picking up 21 wickets between them. But KKR is a bit lacking in the pace attack as Umesh Yadav, Shardul Thakur, and Lockie Ferguson have all struggled to pick up wickets.
Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad have put up some good opening partnerships in the last few matches to lay a solid foundation for the team. Conway in particular appears to be in sublime form and has scored consecutive half-centuries in his last 3 outings.
The Kiwi opener has solified his reputation for being one of the most bankable batters in T20 cricket at the moment.
The middle order looks pretty solid too, thanks to the presence of Shivam Dube, Ajinkya Rahane, and Ambati Rayudu, while Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni will once again take up the role of a finisher. Jadeja has been brilliant with the ball, picking up 9 wickets in 6 matches, and has been very economical. He has received good support from Moeen Ali.
In the pace department, Tushar Deshpande has picked up 10 wickets but has been very expensive. He will be joined by Akash Singh and Matheesha Pathirana, both of whom can pick up wickets at regular intervals.
It must be mentioned here that MS Dhoni's captaincy p[lays such a vital role in making the most of his resources. Year after year, he has managed to get the best out of bowlers that other teams have discarded. Now that he has a team which shows excellent batting intent, it looks like he is comfortable taking on all kinds of opposition in different conditions.
Weather Report
While the temperature will remain below the 30-degree mark, we do expect some showers here in the afternoon and evening.
Pitch Report
Three out of the 4 innings played here this season have produced scores of over 200, which speaks volumes about the quality of the pitch. We expect to see another high-scoring encounter here where the team batting first will be looking to set a target of more than 200 runs.
There is a good amount of bounce on offer and the pitch here is absolutely flat.
Notable stats
Devon Conway’s Consistent Batting
Devon Conway has shown excellent form in his recent T20 outings. In his last 10 appearances, he has scored 366 runs at an average of 40.66 and a strike rate of 145.23.
Team News
There are no updates regarding injuries from either side.
KKR vs CSK Probable 11
KKR Playing 11
- Jason Roy
- Litton Das (Wk)
- Nitesh Rana (C)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Rinku Singh
- Mandeep Singh
- Andre Russell
- Sunil Narine
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Kulwant Khejroliya
- Umesh Yadav
CSK Playing 11
- Devon Conway
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Ajinkya Rahane
- Ambati Rayudu
- Shivam Dube
- Moeen Ali
- Ravindra Jadeja
- MS Dhoni (C)
- Tushar Deshpande
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Matheesha Pathirana
Dream11 Prediction
We are backing the Chennai Super Kings to win here. They have played some excellent cricket over the last few days and have found a good balance of players. On the other hand, the Kolkata Knight Riders have struggled a bit and lack quality batsmen when compared to CSK.
Top Picks
Devon Conway: Conway has struck half-centuries in each of his last 3 outings and is in brilliant form. Given the excellent batting surface and a mediocre pace attack, we can surely expect another good performance from him.
Ravindra Jadeja: Jadeja can contribute with the bat as well as the ball. He has picked up 9 wickets this season and can also score some quick runs at the death.
Jason Roy: A blazing opening batsman from England, Roy has showcased his hard-hitting abilities in England’s recent tour to Bangladesh and also in the PSL.
KKR vs CSK Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: D Conway (C), M Dhoni
Batters: N Rana, R Gaikwad, J Roy
All-rounders: R Jadeja (VC), M Ali, S Narine, A Russell
Bowlers: V Chakravarthy, T Deshpande
