IPL 2018, KKR vs CSK: 5 player battles to look forward to 

It is the battle of the 1st and 4th placed teams in the table at the Eden Gardens tonight and if the previous game between these sides is anything to go by, then another run-fest could be on the offing.

The hosts Kolkata Knight Riders would like to go on a run of wins now so that they can make it to the top 2 and Chennai Super Kings would want to consolidate their position at the top of the table. These are two star-studded teams filled with excellent local talent and the ultimate outcome of the game will be decided by some of the individual battles that are going to be witnessed tonight.

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#5 Chris Lynn v Ravindra Jadeja

The Indian all-rounder hasn’t bowled much in the tournament in the recent past but in CSK’s last game Ravindra Jadeja bowled his full quota of overs and returned figures of 1/31. He claimed the wicket of Glenn Maxwell and derailed Delhi Daredevils chase of 211. Following that performance, it is expected that he would bowl tonight again and more importantly, Dhoni would probably introduce him against KKR’s big-hitting opening batsman Chris Lynn.

The Australian has not been in great hitting form but has managed to score runs, albeit at a strike rate of 131.91 and his troubles against spin bowling has become quite apparent. However, against left-arm spin, he has been particularly poor in the IPL this year and has managed to score only 25 runs in the 27 instances in which he has faced up to such a bowler. Additionally, he has been dismissed twice by left-arm spinners as well and hence, his battle tonight with Ravindra Jadeja is going to be a crucial one. He cannot afford to get bogged down again. 

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