Chennai Super Kings are staging a resurgence in IPL 2021 while Kolkata Knight Riders have stumbled to two consecutive losses.
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Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have a healthy rivalry in the Indian Premier League. Although Chennai Super Kings hold a 14-8 advantage, Kolkata Knight Riders have managed to fight some close battles with them. In the previous decade, the rivalry see-sawed between both sides. However, as the years progressed, Chennai Super Kings pulled ahead. In IPL 2021, Chennai Super Kings have been rejuvenated after being thrashed in the opening game by Delhi Capitals.
Oh Thala, Our Thala! ?
You trust the process and we trust you. #WhistlePodu #Yellove ? pic.twitter.com/3WO1ILga7K— Chennai Super Kings – Mask P?du Whistle P?du! (@ChennaiIPL) April 20, 2021
Against Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings put up a great show in the batting and bowling. On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders are facing a major issue. After winning against Sunrisers Hyderabad, they have stumbled to losses against Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kolkata Knight Riders have issues when it comes to bowling and batting.
Opening combination: Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill have been decent in IPL 2021. However, if Rahul Tripathi opens with Gill, it could add more solidity.
Middle order: The middle order in the Kolkata Knight Riders is a weak spot. Dinesh Karthik, Eoin Morgan, Shakib Al Hasan have not fired. Kolkata Knight Riders could try getting Sunil Narine to open while Tripathi and Rana shore up the middle order.
Lower middle order: Andre Russell and Eoin Morgan need to fire if Kolkata Knight Riders have to reach a great score.
Bowlers: On a zippy Wankhede wicket, getting Lockie Ferguson in might not be a bad idea. Cummins might be a certainty, but Ferguson has often delivered the goods. His good record against MS Dhoni might tempt KKR to play him
Playing 11: Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan(c), Sunil Narine, Dinesh Karthik(w), Andre Russell, Pat Cummins/Lockie Ferguson, Harbhajan Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy
Openers: Although Ruturaj Gaikwad has not fired, he might get an extended run. If he clicks, then Chennai Super Kings’ batting threat goes up a notch. Faf du Plessis showed his best in the previous game and he will be a key player.
Middle order: Suresh Raina, Moeen Ali and Ambati Rayudu showed their mettle as they stabilized the middle order. Raina has been in good form while Moeen has been pivotal to Chennai Super Kings both with the bat and ball
Lower middle order: Sam Curran, Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja make up the lower-middle order. These three bowling all-rounders showed they were lethal against Rajasthan Royals. They add tremendous depth and variety.
Bowling: Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur have been doing good with the ball, with Chahar taking 4/13 against Punjab Kings. With Jadeja, Moeen and Bravo also delivering, Chennai Super Kings have their bowling sorted.
Playing 11: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w/c), Sam Curran, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar
