CSK vs KKR, IPL match preview: Crunch time for Chennai and Kolkata

CHENNAI: Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have eight IPL titles between them but for now, this is a battle of the back-benchers. While CSK are languishing in ninth place with just two points, KKR have only one point, courtesy a washout against Punjab Kings. For both teams, it’s a must-win game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.

The team that loses will have that sinking feeling going forward that a top-four berth is probably beyond them. For CSK though, there are faint but growing signs of a turnaround. Despite three losses, CSK’s ability to breach the 200-run mark consistently has provided a silver lining.

With the return of Dewald Brevis adding fresh intent, Sanju Samson finding his rhythm and Jamie Overton striking hard lengths, things suddenly look a touch brighter for Ruturaj Gaikwad and Co. as they look to turn the corner and move upward. On the other hand, nothing has clicked for an insipid KKR side, led by Ajinkya Rahane, so far this season.

While the bowling has looked pedestrian, the bigger worry has been an explosive-on-paper middle order — featuring Cameron Green, Rinku Singh and Rovman Powell — consistently misfiring. From failing to defend 220 in their opener to losing a game they had under control against Super Giants at the death, KKR don’t seem to have a clue how to stem the rot. Their opener Finn Allen, who was in excellent touch in the T20 World Cup for New Zealand, has failed to get going in the IPL.