On a slow and sluggish wicket at Chepauk, Chennai Super Kings take on Kolkata Knight Riders and the focus would yet again be on the spinners. Both sides have a formidable spin contingent and have bullied teams this IPL season courtesy of their tweakers. At home, CSK are virtually unbeatable but if any team has the might to challenge them in their fortress it is Kolkata. The Dinesh Karthik-led side had beaten Chennai in their only home game last year and will back themselves to do it again but it won't be a cakewalk.
Pitch Conditions: A dustbowl with turn for the spinners. Batting could be arduous work here and the set batsmen would be expected to take responsibility.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: MS Dhoni (9 credits)
Despite a half-century opening stand in the previous game against Kings XI Punjab, Chennai's top-order hasn't been at its best, which has meant MS Dhoni has had enough time at the crease in most games. This makes him a fabulous fantasy option to have. He is reliable, scores quickly and always pulls off a couple of catches, stumpings or run-outs.
Batsman: Faf du Plessis (9 credits)
The South African was called up into the starting XI for the first time last game and immediately made an impact with a half-century. He was in form for South Africa in the build up to the IPL and the maiden innings for CSK this season was fraught with promise. With an inconsistent Shane Watson,
On a slow and sluggish wicket at Chepauk, Chennai Super Kings take on Kolkata Knight Riders and the focus would yet again be on the spinners. Both sides have a formidable spin contingent and have bullied teams this IPL season courtesy of their tweakers. At home, CSK are virtually unbeatable but if any team has the might to challenge them in their fortress it is Kolkata. The Dinesh Karthik-led side had beaten Chennai in their only home game last year and will back themselves to do it again but it won't be a cakewalk.
Pitch Conditions: A dustbowl with turn for the spinners. Batting could be arduous work here and the set batsmen would be expected to take responsibility.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: MS Dhoni (9 credits)
Despite a half-century opening stand in the previous game against Kings XI Punjab, Chennai's top-order hasn't been at its best, which has meant MS Dhoni has had enough time at the crease in most games. This makes him a fabulous fantasy option to have. He is reliable, scores quickly and always pulls off a couple of catches, stumpings or run-outs.
Batsman: Faf du Plessis (9 credits)
The South African was called up into the starting XI for the first time last game and immediately made an impact with a half-century. He was in form for South Africa in the build up to the IPL and the maiden innings for CSK this season was fraught with promise. With an inconsistent Shane Watson, du Plessis' presence at the top could just be the season changer for Chennai.
All-rounder: Andre Russell (10 credits)
While he was not even required against Rajasthan Royals the other night, Russell remains the most dreaded Kolkata player. A ferocious striker of the ball, he has more than made up for their top-order concerns with a style of batting best suited to the shortest format. When he hits, it stays hit and that has always been the case. But now, he has added consistency which makes him a huge threat.
Bowler: Harbhajan Singh (8.5 credits)
An underrated T20 bowler, Harbhajan Singh has set this season alight with delightful off-break bowling. Slow through the air and ever so watchful of the batsman's tactics, the veteran spinner has stayed one step ahead of the opposition and is a key player for Chennai, particularly at home where the pitches suit his kind of bowling.
Uncapped pick: Nitish Rana (9 credits)
An uncapped player, Rana has been a reliable batter for Kolkata this season. Shoring up their middle-order, Rana has played a few handy knocks and has proven to be a good player of the middle overs. His part-time off-spin was also used cleverly by Dinesh Karthik.
Captain: Faf du Plessis
Vice-captain: Sunil Narine
Predicted Playing XI:
Kolkata Knight Riders: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik, Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Harry Gurney, Prasidh Krishna
Chennai Super Kings: Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Scott Kuggeleijn, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir
