What could be the thought going around coach Stephen Fleming’s mind, the coach of the Chennai Super Kings franchise, as they get ready to face the favourites, Kolkata Knight Riders playing in their home ground trying to cement their place in the top four?
KKR – Players to watch out
Target Andre Russell, Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine
Containing these three batsmen would be vital for the CSK bowlers. If anyone or two gets firing on the newly improved pitch at The Eden Gardens Kolkata, the game could then tend to slip out of CSK’s hands. They would have to be restricted to a minimal number of big, over the boundary shots.
Nitish Rana is doubtful to play in tonight’s match as there is tension in the KKR camp over his back pain. He might not have healed completely, and KKR might miss out on him tonight.
New Eden’s pitch and its tryst with wrist spinners –
The new pitch at the Eden Gardens Kolkata is giving the bowlers good bounce and breakthrough to wrist spinners. Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav and Sunil Narine would have to be defended well on this sort of a pitch. Batsmen would have to take lesser risks in these twelve overs to be bowled by them and play selective big shots on the bad deliveries only.
CSK – Players to watch out
CSK sitting pretty at the top of the table has got a power-packed and most importantly in form side. Beginning with Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the helm of things, His ability to lead the side and being the perfect finisher would keep KKR very vigilant all through ought the game.
Suresh Raina is getting back in form and at the right time. Ambati Rayudu is second on the highest run-getters list succeeding Virat Kohli and second to R. Pant just by five runs and a match short. Ambati Rayudu can stir up a storm with his batting on his day, at any given time.
Lungi Ngidi, the 21 years old South African pacer has been on full steam during the practise sessions aiming a single stump and striking it repeatedly. The conditions at Eden could be highly favourable for him and help him in picking up crucial wickets.
Fantasy League Picks – Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Andre Russel should not be left out. Lungi Ngidi would be my surprise pick as he is bowling with great accuracy and speed and has come back mentally stronger after his father’s demise.
