IPL 6: Chennai look to oust defending champions KKR

Date – 28th April 2013

Time – 4.00 p.m (IST)

Chennai Super Kings, who have usually been slow starters, are level with Royal Challengers Bangalore at the top of the table. Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, pulled off an emphatic six-wicket win over the Kings XI Punjab. For the Super Kings, Dhoni has been the key protagonist, while for the Knight Riders, Eoin Morgan holds the key.

Chennai Super Kings batted brilliantly against a dominant pace-attack. Vijay looked in great rhythm as he started to play his strokes freely, but has to be cautious and needs to convert the start into a meaningful innings. Suresh, who finally found his form against Rajasthan Royals, completely lost the plot against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Perhaps he was finding it difficult against the spinners. Dwayne Bravo has performed exceedingly well for the Super Kings, especially with the ball. MS Dhoni normally asks him to bowl his four overs at the death which is certainly a tough task. He has been athletic in the field as he has taken some spectacular catches in this season’s IPL. Also, Mahendra Singh Dhoni must bring Morkel back into the squad at the expense of Jason Holder. Jason Holder wasn’t accurate with his length and consequently, he was taken for runs without difficulty. Albie Morkel’s inclusion provides MS Dhoni options for bowlers at the death overs where his alterations in length become significant. Chennai Super Kings have quality batsmen at the top of the order who are excellent players of spin bowling. It will be interesting to see the combination if Nannes is fit for tomorrow’s match against the defending Champions.

Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, have significant task at hand despite a comfortable win over Kings XI Punjab. Gautam Gambhir and Morgan have been the consistent performers. But they lack a proper finisher which is why they have lost close matches in this season’s IPL (before Kings XI Punjab match). Manoj Tiwary, Yusuf Pathan, Das and Jacques Kallis haven’t had a great IPL 6. Bisla and Morgan secured a comprehensive win over Kings XI Punjab and Gambhir would be hoping for Bisla and Morgan to replicate the same against the Chennai Super Kings.

Pitch and Conditions

The wicket at Chepauk is a perfect strip for batting. The conditions are hot at Chidambaram Stadium and therefore it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bat first. But the wicket would remain the same throughout the match and hence it should provide an even contest.

Players to watch

Mike Hussey – He has been the most consistent performer for the Super Kings besides Dhoni. He is an excellent player of spin bowling. Hussey has more knowledge about the Chepauk wicket better than the Knight Riders. Even last time when these two teams played in the final at Chepauk, Narine was taken for runs without problems. Therefore, Hussey would hold the key at the top of the order. Once he settles down, he could be dangerous batsman.

Eoin Morgan – He has been the consistent performer for the Knight Riders. The Knight Riders shouldn’t promote him at the top of the order as he is a great finisher. If Eoin Morgan strikes form, then Super Kings would certainly be under trouble.

Prediction

The wicket at Chepauk is a perfect strip for batting. Both sides are evenly matched. A win for the Super Kings would unquestionably oust the defending champions from the tournament. Chennai Super Kings have a slight edge over the Knight Riders as they have quality batsmen at the top of the order and consequently, they could chase down any target even beyond 160.