IPL 2024, CSK vs KKR: Chennai Opt To Bowl As Kolkata Look To Extend Winning Run; Check Playing XIs

Chennai: The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) return home to Chepauk for a crucial IPL 2024 encounter against the high-flying Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) tonight. After a strong start, CSK have stumbled in their last two away matches, putting pressure on their new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Gaikwad’s batting struggles and the team’s bowling frailties were exposed in recent losses to Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals. Senior players haven’t fired consistently, and the absence of key bowlers Mustafizur Rahman and Matheesha Pathirana further hampered their efforts.

In stark contrast, KKR have looked dominant. Openers Sunil Narine and the debutant Angkrish Raghuvanshi have provided explosive starts, while Shreyas Iyer, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh offer additional batting firepower. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Mitchell Starc and backed by a potent spin trio, has also impressed.

CSK hold a historical advantage over KKR, having won 18 out of their 28 IPL meetings. Additionally, their home record against KKR is strong, with 7 wins in 10 matches at Chepauk.

However, the pitch at M.A. Chidambaram has surprised this season with high-scoring encounters, potentially favouring KKR’s well-rounded batting lineup. CSK need to adapt quickly and capitalize on their home support to overcome KKR’s superior spin attack on a potentially sluggish surface.

Playing XIs

Kolkata Knight Riders: Philip Salt(w), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer(c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w), Shardul Thakur, Mustafizur Rahman, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana