IPL 2022, CSK vs KKR: Preview, stats and Fantasy XI
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season opener sees Chennai Super Kings take on Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Four-time IPL champions CSK pocketed the coveted trophy last year, beating KKR in the final. Both teams bolstered their squads in the IPL 2022 mega auction. Ahead of a cracking opening tie, we present the complete match preview.
Pitch report, timing and TV listing
The Wankhede surface will assist batters and one expects to see runs being scored. Spinners could have a say in the middle overs. The pacers need to vary their lengths and be productive. The match will start at 7:30 PM IST. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and stream the same on the Hotstar app (paid subscription).
CSK will hope to keep their dominance over KKR
On Thursday, MS Dhoni handed over the captaincy of CSK to Ravindra Jadeja. This is an exciting phase for Jadeja, who is in the best form of his life. CSK will miss the services of Moeen Ali against KKR. Ruturaj Gaikwad holds the key alongside Devon Conway upfront. There's plenty of pedigree in the rest of the side.
Here's the head-to-head record
The two teams have met on 26 occasions in the IPL. CSK have the edge with 17 wins so far. Meanwhile, KKR have won eight times. One match didn't have a result. In IPL 2021, CSK beat KKR on all three occasions, including the final.
Can KKR start well under Iyer?
KKR will start a new journey under former Delhi Capitals ace Shreyas Iyer. He will hope to lead the side with utmost precision. KKR could start with Venkatesh Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane upfront. Sam Billings can make the difference in the middle-order. However, they are set to miss Pat Cummins, who is on international duty. KKR need an all-round show to hurt CSK.
A look at the probable XI of both sides
CSK probable XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja (c), MS Dhoni (wk), Shivam Dube, Dwayne Bravo, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Adam Milne KKR probable XI: Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer (c), Sam Billings (wk), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shivam Mavi, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Tim Southee
Who are the key performers?
As per Cricketpedia, Ruturaj has aggregated 208 runs including 17 fours and 10 sixes off 150 balls in four matches versus KKR. He has maintained a strike rate of 138.67. Andre Russell has racked up 284 runs from 166 balls in nine games versus CSK. He has a strike rate of 171.08. He has hit 16 fours and 26 sixes, besides taking eight wickets.
Dream11 Fantasy Cricket team options
Fantasy XI (Option 1): Sam Billings, Devon Conway, Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer (vc), Dwayne Bravo, Adam Milne, Varun Chakravarthy Fantasy XI (Option 2): Sam Billings, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja (c), Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, Shivam Dube, Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakravarthy (vc), Maheesh Theekshana
