Will CSK dent KKR's chances of making the play-offs?

With Chennai Super Kings (CSK) having become the first 'official' team to have exited the ongoing IPL-13 in UAE, tomorrow’s CSK Vs KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) encounter is only of arithmetic significance. However, a defeat tomorrow would have a huge adverse impact on the chances of KKR making the play-off stages.

Even if CSK wins both the matches, it would be of no use. With only a few matches to go before the play-off stage, KKR would be hoping for a win as it is now tied at the fourth spot (on the points tally) with KXIP as both the teams have earned 12 points apiece from 12 games.

The 'Ruturaj' factor

On the other hand, CSK would be playing for pride and would certainly love to sign off with two big wins. MSD has the responsibility to instill confidence in a team which would be missing from the play-off stages for the first time in its IPL history. Though his fans are elated that MSD would lead the side in 2021 too, MSD can’t win matches on his own. Ruturaj should keep up his good form for CSK to make it count against KKR. Likewise, all team members will have to make valuable individual contributions.

KKR needs two out of two

KKR would be hoping to win both its remaining matches (against CSK and Rajasthan) to make the play-off stage. Likewise, RR too needs to win both its remaining matches; same for KXIP too. As such, the result in all the upcoming matches will have a huge bearing on the points tally as it would decide the final four teams in the play-off stage.

CSK back in form

Match against CSK won't be a cakewalk for KKR as CSK has roared back to form against RCB whereas KKR lost tamely to KXIP. KKR’s batting hasn’t fired as a unit except for some individual contributions here and there. Captain Morgan will have to get his best combination out tomorrow to pose any serious challenge to CSK. Sunil Narine’s return has certainly bolstered KKR’s bowling attack. Varun Chakravarty, who has been picked for India’s Australia tour, is complementing Narine very well. Cummins and Ferguson would have to be at their best.

CSK won't have any pressure going into tomorrow's match as it has literally nothing to 'lose' (except the match, of course!) whereas it's a must-win game for KKR. All in all, it promises to be a cracker of a match!

Expected XI:

CSK: Ruturaj, du Plessis, Rayudu, Jagadeesan, Sam Curran, Dhoni, Jadeja, Santner, Chahar, Imran Tahir, Monu Kumar

KKR: Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik, Eoin Morgan, Sunil Narine, Nagarkoti, Cummins, Ferguson, Varun Chakravarthy, Prasiddh Krishna