Written by Maverick White for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Friday 02 May | Ranchi | 16:30
The mighty Chennai Super Kings, as is IPL tradition, have made a strong start to the tournament and lie second on the log, one loss separating them from unbeaten Kings XI Punjab. The Knight Riders have struggled to assert themselves in the competition so far, a well balanced side failing once again to gel correctly. Sitting mid-table and still possessing playoff aspirations, Kolkata needs to instill a winning culture soon. If not, they will find themselves cut adrift and the Indian Premier League is not a tournament in which one can mount an easy comeback. As the fixtures tumble into India, the Arabian leg now complete, there will be a challenge for all the franchises to set up sides tailored to slightly different conditions, as well as the added benefit of a few home fixtures.
To Win
Super Kings 6/10
Tie 35/1
Knight Riders 14/10
Chennai Super Kings
Prior to the tournament there was vague uncertainty surrounding the Chennai side. They had retained the services of five key players but had lost their complete opening partnership, one which helped them all the way through to final at Eden Gardens last year. Chennai fans needn’t have worried however, for in true Chennai style, their new opening batsmen are on fire. Despite Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum being an unlikely pair, the two have complemented each other superbly, striking the ball to different areas of the ground and building wise, intelligent T20 partnerships. The duo lie second and third respectively on the run-scoring charts, Smith with 240 runs and McCullum with 193, both averaging close to 48.00. They attribute their form to the management and coaching staff who encourage them to play freely, further entrenching Chennai’s strength in getting the best out of their players. Following a change of action, Mohit Sharma has found form and picked up eight wickets so far. The Indian tracks may suit the seamer slightly better, which does not bode well for a shakey Kolkata batting lineup.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Although assured his place from management, captain and opening batsman Gautam Gambhir had been in horrific form until a redeeming 45 from 44 against the Rajasthan Royals silenced his detractors momentarily. The truth remains that three ducks in a row followed by a score of one necessitated an innings of substance, but it was simply a single too little for a Kolkata side that lost on a Boundary Count. Tied after twenty and a Super Over, Kolkata should never have been in that situation to begin with. They required 16 off 12 balls with plenty of wickets in hand, before the middle-order capsized, they were forced into a Super Over, and Narine couldn’t defend eleven runs. Jacques Kallis, the anchor, failed to get going and it just seems that there is a lack of responsibility within the Kolkata unit. Chris Lynn has been a fantastic find for the franchise and plays with the spirit that the Knight Riders so desperately need to regain. Being back in India may help settle the side, but don’t expect a friendly welcome from Chennai.
Venue
Almost brand new, Ranchi debuted in the IPL last year to mixed reactions. First off it was terribly slow, but quickened up in the one other match hosted at the ground to see a high scoring game. It’s difficult to the predict what to expect here, though Narine did prosper last year. No rain is forecast.
VERDICT: Super Kings 6/10
Chennai have looked incredibly good so far in the tournament and could be well on their way to another trophy. The problems that plagued Kolkata last year seem not to have left and the Super Kings should grind out another victory here, as Narine becomes less of a threat to established IPL players.
