Chennai Superkings and Kolkata Knight Riders seek their third win in Dream11 IPL 2020

The Chennai Superkings sprung back into form against the KingsXI Punjab with a burst of inspiration from their openers. While the Men in yellow will be wishful of continuing their form, their opponents Kolkata Knight Riders will be hoping to bounce back from the defeat to the Delhi Capitals in Sharjah. Both the teams will be seeking their third win of the season although Chennai have played one game more than their opponents for the night.

Superkings docile campaign appears to have new life. A 10-wicket win against Punjab all thanks to Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis would have come as a sign of relief for the Dhoni-led side. The return of Ambati Rayudu and Dwayne Bravo has lent their batting a more solid outlook, allowing the openers to bat more freely. The result was a massive unbeaten 181-run opening stand in a run-chase. However, it remains to be seen whether the confidence has rubbed off on the middle order who will need to rise to the task on days their top 3 fails. 

Chennai bowlers have not completely hit their groove yet. They will however be encouraged by the return to form of Ravindra Jadeja who kept the Kings XI batting relatively quiet. Meanwhile, Dwayne Bravo’s return shores up their death bowling strength.

The Kolkata Knight Riders might be forced at looking to revamp their opening pair. While Shubman Gill has looked increasingly impressive with every passing game, his partner Sunil Narine has failed to deliver the role expected of him. A strike rate of less than 90 batting in the powerplay for a pinch-hitter is not awe-inspiring in the least. Even more so considering the likes of Eoin Morgan and Andre Russell get to bat at No.5 and 6. While they still managed to score 210 in pursuit of 228, the Knight Riders would be considering a proper batsman at the top of the order.

Knight Riders had placed their bets on the Indian U-19 crop and it appears to be working well with the fast bowling pairing of Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti coming good for the team if one excludes the harsh conditions of Sharjah. Andre Russell’s 2/29 from 4 overs in a ground like Sharjah where 438 runs were scored on the day means they have enough in their bowling tank. Varun Chakravarthy has been a revelation for the Knight Riders this season. The likes of Sunil Narine and Pat Cummins are yet to reach their best, and once they do, the Knight Riders will have a threatening bowling lineup.

Neither of the two sides will mind the larger outfields of Abu Dhabi. The Knight Riders bowlers will be pleased after the outing in Sharjah to return to a venue which will be more of an ally to them. The Knight Riders will be aiming at going in strong against the Chennai top 3 who have been instrumental in the games they have won. The battle between the two Aussies - Shane Watson and Pat Cummins - will be one to watch out for. Andre Russell will go up against his fellow West Indian Dwayne Bravo at the death, a battle that will make for fascinating viewing.