IPL 2022, CSK vs KKR: Iyer elects to bowl first
Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders face each other in match number one of the Indian Premier League 2022 season on Saturday. Defending champions CSK will be hoping to start strongly against last season's finalists KKR. CSK have a sound record versus the eastern giants. The news from Wankhede is that KKR skipper Shreyas has won the toss and will bowl first.
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).
Who are the key performers?
As per Cricketpedia, Ruturaj Gaikwad has racked up 208 runs including 17 fours and 10 sixes 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.
A look at the playing XI of both sides
CSK Playing XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja (c), Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (wk), Dwayne Bravo, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tushar Deshpande KKR Playing XI: Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Sam Billings (wk), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Sheldon Jackson, Umesh Yadav, Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakaravarthy
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.
Key details about both teams in terms of selection
For KKR, there are three debutants in the form of Iyer, Rahane, and Billings. For CSK, the likes of Deshpande, Conway, Dube, and Milne are making their maiden appearances. KKR have gone in with just three foreign players. CSK are playing with their full quota.
