IPL 2021 Final, CSK vs KKR Preview: Can Chennai avenge 2012 final defeat against an unstoppable Kolkata?

Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders clash in the IPL 2021 final in Dubai on Friday. It would be a chance at redemption for Chennai, as it would like to avenge the 2012 final defeat.

IPL 2021 Final, CSK vs KKR Preview: Team analysis, head-to-head, pitch, probable, fantasy xi, live streaming-ayh

Ayush Gupta

Dubai - United Arab Emirates, First Published Oct 14, 2021, 4:11 PM IST | Last Updated Oct 14, 2021, 4:11 PM IST

The final frontier is here, as two former champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), collide in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 final at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday. The two sides met in the 2012 final, during which the latter won its maiden title.

Although KKR has managed to win just one more title since then, CSK has won a couple more. With both sides clashing again, CSK would look to avenge the defeat, while KKR would look to repeat the feat as we present the preview of this gripping thriller.

LIVE SCORECARD: IPL 2021 Final - CSK vs KKR

Current form
CSK won Qualifier 1 against Delhi Capitals (DC), coming off a three-game losing streak. On the other hand, KKR is on a four-match winning streak, defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and DC in Eliminator and Qualifier 2. Thus, the momentum is slightly on KKR's side.

Team composition
Considering the teams, CSK is heavy in its bowling. Its batting, however, has been deadly, especially openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis, while they would play a significant factor in this final. Meanwhile, the focus would also be on Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, and skipper MS Dhoni.

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As for KKR, it has a productive bowling attack. For its batting, its top-order has been troubling the bowlers, mainly openers Shubman Gill and uncapped Venkatesh Iyer, while Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Rana have been fertile as well. Due to his fissionable form, the focus would be on skipper Eoin Morgan. At the same time, Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Lockie Ferguson and Prasidh Krishna would be watched out for.

Injury concerns: While CSK does not have any injury concerns, it would be interesting to see if all-rounder Andre Russell and pacer Prasidh Krishna make the cut as they recover from minor injuries.

ALSO READ: IPL 2021 Playoffs, DC vs KKR (Qualifier 2): Who does David Hussey credit for Kolkata's resurgence?

Head-to-head
The two sides have met each other on 27 occasions, with CSK leading 17-9, while in 25 IPL brushes, CSK possesses a lead of 16-8. In the three UAE battles, CSK edges ahead 2-1, while the only game between the two in Dubai saw CSK having the upper hand.

Weather and pitch report
The Dubai weather would be smoking, with an expected temperature of 36 degrees and 53% humidity. The pitch would be slightly slower than usual, and the side winning the toss would look to chase. However, any score around 170 would be challenging.

ALSO READ: IPL 2021 Playoffs, DC vs KKR (Qualifier 2): Social media on fire as Kolkata qualifies for its 3rd IPL final

Probable XI
CSK: Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar and Josh Hazlewood.
KKR: Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan (c), Andre Russell/Shakib Al Hasan, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson, Varun Chakravarthy and Shivam Mavi.

Fantasy XI
Batters: Du Plessis (vc), Tripathi, Gill, Gaikwad- Du Plessis and Gill would provide the right start, while Gaikwad can bat at number three, with Tripathi at number four. Du Plessis explosive form makes him the deputy captain, while Gaikwad's reliability makes him the skipper.
Wicketkeeper: Karthik- He is the better man in the form right now, comfortably edging past Dhoni.
All-rounders: Jadeja, Russell, Moeen- Jadeja has been in fine form across departments. While Russell has been delivering with the ball, Moeen is doing the same with the bat.
Bowlers: Chahar, Thakur, Chakravarthy- Chahar and Thakur have been extremely lethal of late with their pace, while Chakravarthy would be deadly with his spins.

Match details
Date and day: October 15, 2021 (Friday)
Venue: Dubai International Stadium
Time: 7.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar