Chennai, April 8: It has been a contrasting journey so far for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
Reigning champions CSK, have won two games of the four matches they have played, which means they have a 50% success record so far.
The Chennai franchise of course, miss their maverick Kiwi opener Devon Conway at top of the order. But Conway's New Zealand teammate Rachin Ravindra, has not disheartened them much, as new skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad's opening partner.
Despite their not so outstanding performance this season, CSK can make a strong statement anyway anywhere. Because with seasoned M S Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming as master planners in their ranks, chances of CSK bouncing back to winning ways cannot be overruled at any time.
They have turned Ajinkya Rahane last season to a fearsome T20 batter, which was hardly seen in the Mumbai batter's long career. Rahane even continues to bat with the strike rate as well this season, though he has not been that high impactful like in 2023.
Similarly, in the past their former team members S Badrinath, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina and Dwayne Bravo were exceptional when they played for CSK.
On the contrary, KKR appear to be a charged up bunch this season, with Gautam Gambhir returning to their camp. Gambhir in the past had led KKR twice to win the IPL title. In fact, KKR have lifted the trophy two times under Gambhir only.
This year, Gambhir's joining the Kolkata team as a mentor, appears to have some positive impact on them. They have won all their three matches. Can they maintain that momentum? That definitely is bit hard to predict at this early part of the tournament.
But cricket fans will expect to see a good game when in the 22nd match of the IPL 2024, KKR will clash with CSK game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, here on Monday.
Needless to elaborate that hosts, CSK will look to bounce back after two consecutive losses away from home. The KKR on the other hand, will surely try to continue their winning streak.
Match details:
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Date & Time: Monday 8, 7:30 PM (IST)
Live Broadcast and Streaming details: Star Sports Channels, Jio Cinema App and Website
CSK vs KKR Head-to-Head record:
Matches played: 29
Chennai Super Kings won: 18
Kolkata Knight Riders won: 10
No result: 1
Probable Playing XIs:
Kolkata Knight Riders: Philip Salt (w), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (w), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana
Both sides have played some excellent cricket this season and in the past as well. They often raise their game, when they face each other. Hopefully, the CSK-KKR battle at Chepauk on Monday evening, will be yet another high voltage T20 encounter. (With IANS support)
