IPL 2021 preview: Kolkata Knight Riders looks for turnaround against a new-look Chennai Super Kings
This is the 14th edition of the fruitful Indian Premier League, being played in India this term. Kolkata Knight Riders is a former two-time champion but is struggling to make an impact of late. Chennai Super Kings has won the IPL on three occasions, last winning in 2018.
FollowThe 2021 Indian Premier League is all set to get intense with each passing game. Meanwhile, Match 15 would witness former champion Kolkata Knight Riders take on fellow former champion Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday.
KKR has not proved itself a title contender in the past few years and needs something magical this season to establish itself. Meanwhile, CSK is coming off a forgetful 2020 season and is looking threatening this season, as we present the preview for this exciting clash.
Current form
Currently, both sides have played three games each. While KKR won the opening game, it has lost the following three. As for CSK, it was off to a losing start before bouncing back terrifically. Thus, CSK has the upper hand for now.
Team combination
Considering the teams, KKR has a slightly bowling-heavy team. Its considerable uncapped talent, especially in the bowling department, makes it an interesting side to watch out for. Nonetheless, its capped recruits are equally dangerous.
As for CSK, it has a balanced squad. With equal capped talents in all departments, it is indeed a fearful squad, while its spinners have been lethal of late.
Injury concerns
There is no injury concern for any of the sides.
Head-to-head
In the overall 25 matches, CSK has won 15, with KKR winning nine. In the 23 IPL games, CSK leads 14-8, while for the matches in India, it's CSK that leads 14-7. The two would be clashing for the first time in Mumbai.
Weather and pitch report
The Mumbai weather would be hot, with a temperature of around 33 degrees and 64% humidity. As for the track, a sporty pitch is awaited again, while the dew could force the team winning the toss could field first.
Probable XI
KKR: Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Harbhajan Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Varun Chakravarthy.
CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Sam Curran, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar.
Fantasy XI
Batsmen: Du Plessis, Rana, Tripathi- Du Plessis and Rana are sure to give the right start owing to their prolific form, while Tripathi is sure to dominate in the middle.
Wicketkeeper: Karthik- The only man who fits in the department, owing to his fine form with the bat.
All-rounders: Jadeja, Russell (vc), Moeen, Curran- Jadeja and Moeen are sure to make an impact with their spin bowling, as was the case in the last game. In the pace, Russell and Curran are sure to contribute. All the four can decently contribute with the bat, especially Russell, as he is the deputy skipper, while Moeen dons the captain's band.
Bowlers: Chahar, Cummins, Krishna- In an all-out pace attack, all the three have been in a fiery form and are sure to nail it.
Match details
Date and day: April 21, 2021 (Wednesday)
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
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
