CSK vs KKR, IPL match preview: Crunch time for Chennai and Kolkata

CHENNAI: Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have eight IPL titles between them but for now, this is a battle of the back-benchers. While CSK are languishing in ninth place with just two points, KKR have only one point, courtesy a washout against Punjab Kings.

For both teams, it’s a must-win game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday. The team that loses will have that sinking feeling going forward that a top-four berth is probably beyond them.

For CSK though, there are faint but growing signs of a turnaround. Despite three losses, CSK’s ability to breach the 200-run mark consistently has provided a silver lining. With the return of Dewald Brevis adding fresh intent, Sanju Samson finding his rhythm and Jamie Overton striking hard lengths, things suddenly look a touch brighter for Ruturaj Gaikwad and Co. as they look to turn the corner and move upward.

On the other hand, nothing has clicked for an insipid KKR side, led by Ajinkya Rahane, so far this season. While the bowling has looked pedestrian, the bigger worry has been an explosive-on-paper middle order — featuring Cameron Green, Rinku Singh and Rovman Powell — consistently misfiring. From failing to defend 220 in their opener to losing a game they had under control against Super Giants at the death, KKR don’t seem to have a clue how to stem the rot.

Their opener Finn Allen, who was in excellent touch in the T20 World Cup for New Zealand, has failed to get going in the IPL. Brushing it off as earlyseason rust, he remained unconcerned.

“It’s the nature of T20 cricket. There’s only been a couple of games and I don’t think you can judge too much of these games. I had good starts in the first two games and obviously would have liked to kick on more. But I think we’ve been doing all the right things, preparation-wise, we’re waiting for it to click. If we win the game against Chennai, it gets our season underway and anything could happen,” said Allen on the eve of the match.

‘Varun fit to play’

One of the biggest reasons for KKR’s struggles has been mystery spinner C Varun’s off-form. Add to that the injury he suffered in his hand in the second game, which forced him to miss the next two matches. Now, however, the KKR management has said Varun has been cleared by medical team for the match. On Monday, he was spotted training at the MAC ‘B’ nets with his left hand still taped.

However, questions remain over whether the Chennai local, who is grappling with a dip in form, will feature in the playing XI.