With a win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, Kolkata Knight Riders have increased the difference between them and the four teams below them to fourth spot, which would in-turn help them rule out the Net-Run-Rate qualification scenarios.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), although reeling at the eight and seventh position respectively with just three wins in nine games, have starkly different strategies.
Smith has made many changes to the squad and as well as the batting order, whereas MS Dhoni’s CSK has kept that to the minimum. The one thing that both the captains are culprit of is demoting an opener to play an unconventional choice at top. With Sam Curran opening for CSK, Dhoni demoted Shane Watson instead of Faf du Plessis, who was originally a middle order player. Smith has tried 5 different opening pairs in the nine games, and in the latest RR’s game, he demoted Jos Buttler, while continuing to play Ben Stokes at the top.
CSK’s biggest concern ahead of this game would be the injury of Dwayne Bravo. Bravo’s bowling prowess at the death aren’t easily replaceable. Pacer Lungi Ngidi, who was benched after a bad game, might finally get a game because of his ability to run in and hit the deck hard. Or do the CSK management finally decide to rework their combinations to find a place for Imran Tahir in the squad. The premier spinner, after taking the purple cap home last season, has not featured in any of the nine games played by his team this season.
For KKR, Uthappa found some form after being sent to open the innings and hit a handsome looking 21 ball 42. This should ensure that he retains his opening slot. The question is whether Smith persists with Stokes at the top or not?
RR might also want to look beyond Jaydev Unadkat, who has barely been able to perform at all in this season of the IPL.
Likely 11s:
CSK: Sam Curran, Faf du Plessis, Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (C, wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav/Piyush Chawla, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Karn Sharma, Lungi Ngidi
RR: Robin Uthappa, Ben Stokes, Sanju Samson, Steve Smith (C), Jos Buttler (wk), Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Shreyas Gopal, Jofra Archer, Jaydev Unadkat/Varun Aaron, Kartik Tyagi
