The Chennai Super Kings will welcome a winless Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League at Chepauk on Tuesday, hoping to build on the momentum from a much-needed victory in their previous game. After an all-around performance against Delhi Capitals that featured Sanju Samson's first significant knock, a 56-ball 115 for the legendary team, and a superb bowling effort, CSK recorded their first victory of the season. CSK was able to defend 212 against Delhi Capitals by adjusting their bowling combination thanks to a fit-again Dewald Brevis.
On his IPL debut, left-arm bowler Gurjapneet Singh made an impression by surprising the batters with extra bounce and hitting them high on the bat.
Jamie Overton also showed promise and was rewarded with a four-wicket haul for his relentless hammering of the deck.
In his debut game of the season, left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein gave the offence an additional dimension during the powerplay.
In terms of batting, Samson has finally scored runs in his first season with CSK, which has given him the confidence he needs to go ballistic in the opening six overs.Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain of CSK, hasn't fired yet, but he would be betting on himself for a significant blow against a faltering KKR.
It was revealed at the beginning of the competition that Mahendra Singh Dhoni would miss a few weeks of action owing to a calf strain. Gaikwad hinted about "Thala's" impending return during the most recent game.
In contrast, KKR is desperate to succeed. Against the Lucknow Super Giants, they came close to winning, but Ajinkya Rahane and his side were denied by a brilliant knock from Mukul Choudhary.
In the last game, Cameron Green bowled for KKR for the first time. The all-rounder would be hoping to make a big impression at Chepauk in order to justify his high price tag.Similarly, Rinku Singh is looking for middle-order runs, and Tuesday might be his day.
Ankrish Raghuvanshi has also excelled for KKR, and Rahane has been a respectable batsman.
Another boost for the struggling team came late in the innings when Rovman Powell and Green scored several runs against LSG.
In KKR's previous match, Vaibhav Arora, who bowled exceptionally effectively up front, took the brunt of Choudhary's attack, which included a crucial six over deep cover in the game's last over.
In order to start this IPL, KKR would be looking to reach the finish line against CSK after coming close against LSG.