It is one of the most exciting days of the ongoing Indian Premier League. Four teams who are looking for a place in the playoffs are in action today and spectators should buckle up their seat belts as there is some explosive action coming their way. In the second match of the day Kolkata Knight Riders will host Chennai Super Kings.
KKR are almost certain to make it in the playoffs, but they wouldn’t like to leave anything for chance going by the bad history that they have had in the past seasons. Chennai on the other hand, is in a must-win situation. Both Royals and Kings XI are closing in on them and one bad game and the defending champions could be out of the tournament.
Let’s have a look at some of the dangerous players from either side.
Chennai Super Kings:
Suresh Raina: He had a bad start to the tournament but has played couple of good little innings in the recent games. Chennai will need this explosive left-hander to do well if they want to qualify. Raina played an attacking innings against Delhi and he will be looking to continue the same momentum.
Murali Vijay: He had a horrendous start to the tournament, but the last innings against Delhi would have given him a lot of confidence. Vijay has played a key role in Chennai winning the past two seasons and will be looking to get back the same touch.
Ben Hilfenhaus: He is the sole reason why Chennai won their two previous matches. Hilfenhaus is lethal with the new ball and demolished both Rajasthan and Delhi in his first spell. KKR will know that they will have to tackle this bowler well if they want to set a good total.
Albie Morkel: He has been swinging the new ball and has taken some important wickets for CSK. Morkel is a good bowler to have at the top of the innings as he has the ability to take early wickets. He will be looking to stop the run flow from Gambhir.
Kolkata Knight Riders:
Gautam Gambhir: KKR have done well in the matches their captain has performed. Gambhir has been the sole performer with the bat and there is a huge responsibility on his shoulders. Gambhir likes to take the attack to the bowlers’ right from the first ball and he has been very effective with that.
Debabrata Das: It is high time that this batsman is promoted up the order. He has done well in the domestic circuit and in the limited opportunities that he has got in IPL. The last time these two teams met it was Das’s efforts that took Kolkata over the line.
Sunil Narine: He is one of the most economical bowlers in the competition so far and is in the race for the purple cap as well. Narine had his first bad game against the Mumbai Indians and Kolkata will be hoping that their premier spinner gets back to his best against a strong Chennai batting line-up.
Shakib Al Hasan: He was the pick of KKR bowler against Mumbai. He bowled well with the new ball and got the all important wicket of Sachin. Shakib will fancy the Eden Gardens pitch and bowling against the Chennai right-handers. His ability to bat will also come in handy for KKR.
By Gaurav Jha
Indian Sports News
