Who, when, where
Kolkata Knight Riders v Chennai Super Kings, 3pm BST, Sunday 23 April 2023, Kolkata
Talking points
Recent defeats to the Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad have the Knight Riders ill-placed to go into this fixture with even a semblance of momentum. They need to get back on track – and quickly.
Home advantage could count in their favour. Eden Gardens is a veritable cauldron for visiting teams to navigate – and the Super Kings are especially vulnerable away from their own home in Chepauk.
Chennai have to get on top of their over-rate. It has been sluggish. They have been warned on a couple of occasions. If they transgress again, they could lose captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni to a brief ban.
This match will likely feature several overseas stars, including West Indian duo Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, but it’s the local talent on offer that could really showcase the intensity of this contest. Varun Chakravarthy against Tushar Dashpande looks to be a particularly intriguing battle within the war.
Head-to-head
The Kolkata Knight Riders have only beaten the Chennai Super Kings once in their last five meetings. That win was the most recent result in the last five, though, ending a lengthy losing streak to CSK.
Stars to watch
Devon Conway is playing for CSK in the IPL rather than for New Zealand in their ongoing T20I series against Pakistan. His decision looks justified, as Conway continues to deliver consistently at the top of the order for the four-time title winners.
Nitish Rana proved an intriguing option with the ball against Delhi recently. Although KKR lost the match, it showed that their captain is a threatening slow bowler in appropriate conditions. His primary role, of course, is with the bat. But the pitch at Eden Gardens might suit his role with the ball as well.
Prediction
The Super Kings should get the better of the Knight Riders here. Kolkata haven’t really clicked recently and it shows in the poor form of Russell and a few other key players.
Suggested bets
Chennai Super Kings to beat Kolkata Knight Riders
Tushar Dashpande to be the top bowler for Chennai
Jason Roy to be the top batsman for Kolkata
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