Indian Premier League 2019 Match 29, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders clash for a second time in five days, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, April 14.

Chennai won the first bout. After winning the toss at a rank turner in Chennai, they restricted Kolkata to a paltry 108/9 – in itself thanks to Andre Russell’s 44-ball 50* – before the dew set in and the home side managed to coast to a seven-wicket victory.

Since then, however, Kolkata have lost to Delhi Capitals as well, and it seems even Russell isn’t able to lift them from the pits, as he had done for the most part in the early stages of IPL 2019. They’ve lost 3 out of their 7 matches, and though they remain at No. 2 on net run-rate, their 4 points below top spot – a gap that could get bigger after their clash on Sunday.

The chances for that are high. Kolkata’s batting has dipped a bit – it was never all about Russell – with Nitish Rana’s form taking a dive and the team never convinces when made to bat first. They are more comfortable chasing. Chennai will hope to win the toss again.

The visitors on Sunday continue ploughing on. There has been just the one loss so far in 7 matches – and having already opened up a 4-point lead at the top, they’ve a chance to further fortify their position up there.

Head to head

Chennai and Kolkata have clashed in 22 IPL outings so far. Chennai lead the rivalry comfortably, with 13 wins to Kolkata’s eight. There’s been just the one no-result.

Chennai won their clash five days ago by seven comfortable wickets. However, last year, the teams had shared honours – with both sides winning at home.

Key players

Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders): Even through Kolkata’s recent flunk, Russell has been the one player consistently championing their cause. After scoring a fighting 50* in the first outing against Chennai, he scored a 45 in another loss against Delhi Capitals. He’ll be crucial to Kolkata’s hopes against the league leaders.

MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings): Dhoni has been fine form with the bat so far in IPL 2019, but more importantly, the usually cool captain lost it in his last match, against Rajasthan Royals, and got into trouble for haranguing the umpires. How will that effect thala?

Likely XIs

Kolkata Knight Riders: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Shubman Gill, Dinesh Karthik (c/wk), Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Prasidh Krishna

Chennai Super Kings: Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (c/wk), Scott Kuggelejin, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Deepak Chahar, Imran Tahir

Prediction

Kolkata to return to winning ways at home.