KKR vs CSK: Match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report
What's the story
The IPL 2019 has already given us several intense encounters. Meanwhile, match number 29 witnesses the biggest clash of this season, as Kolkata Knight Riders host defending champions Chennai Super Kings at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday. While CSK have been lethal since the start, KKR need to get back to winning ways. Here we analyze more in this preview.
Latest news
Kolkata reeling from defeat to Delhi, Chennai riding high
Hosts KKR were disappointed following their loss to Delhi Capitals, at home, on Friday. This loss has made the play-offs race even more interesting, as KKR, DC and MI have eight points from seven matches. As for CSK, they continued their winning spree by taming Rajasthan Royals in an away tie. Earlier this season, CSK had thrashed the Knights by seven wickets.
Players
Shubman Gill, MS Dhoni among men to watch out for
Everyone would have their eyes on CSK skipper MS Dhoni. He is delightful to watch, both with the bat and the gloves. He has been in splendid form with the bat of late, making him the center of attraction. For KKR, young opener Shubman Gill stunned everyone with a fine knock of 65 against Delhi, and would aim to repeat the same.
Head-to-head
CSK have an upper hand against KKR
CSK have been the most consistent side in IPL, as they have dominated KKR over the years. In 20 IPL matches, CSK have won 12, while KKR have won seven. Out of 18 matches played in India, CSK have won 12, while KKR have only pocketed six. However, the battle has been intense in Kolkata, with four wins for CSK as well as KKR.
Pitch report
A high-scoring track awaits at Eden
The track at Eden has favored batsmen this season. Three matches have been played in this season so far here, and above 180 seems a par score. Further, two of the three wins this season, on this ground, have come while chasing. The team winning the toss would look to bowl first, but even batting first won't be a bad option.
Predicted XI
Here's the predicted Playing XI
KKR: Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish, Dinesh Karthik (c), Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Prasidh Krishna. CSK: Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Imran Tahir. Dream XI: Dhoni, Gill (c), Nitish, Rayudu, du Plessis, Jadeja, Russell, Kuldeep, Krishna, Tahir (vc), Chahar.
Match details
When, where and how to watch
Match: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Time: 4 PM (IST). Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1, 2, Select 1 and other regional channels of Star Sports. Where to watch (Online): Hotstar.