IPL 2019: Match 23, CSK vs KKR - Match Preview, Prediction, Weather, Pitch, Predicted XI, Statistical Preview

It will be a clash of titans when defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on current league toppers Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match 23 of the 2019 IPL at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 9 (Tuesday).

Both sides have performed significantly well and will be keen to keep up the good work. Playing at their home turf, Chennai Super Kings will have a little advantage of understanding the strip better. MS Dhoni is likely to rely on his spinners to give him another win. But the management will ponder over how to stop Andre Russell – who has been the most valuable player of the season.

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Clash of the Titans at Chepauk

Chennai’s batting have also come good with the revamped opening pair – Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis giving a good start. They will be keen to carry on their job with a power-packed middle order to follow. However, all eyes will be on Ambati Rayudu who will bat in the middle order – his original position ahead of the World Cup. He looks to score runs to be in the good books of the selector. Meanwhile, one point of worry for Chennai will be their relatively less experienced pace attack. But, Deepak Chahar and Scott Kuggeleijn have the talent by their side to shine in these big games.

On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders’ top-order has been a massive advantage for them. Sunil Narine has provided them with swashbuckling starts while Robin Uthappa and Nitish Rana have set the tone for Andre Russell to launch his carnage. Chris Lynn also showed a hint of form in the last game which will keep the management relieved.

On the bowling front, Harry Gurney impressed in his debut IPL game. His shuttle change of pace will be a weapon for Dinesh Karthik in the death overs. The spinners also have done relatively who will have the job to contain the Chennai Super Kings batters in the middle overs.

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Date and Venue: April 9 (Tuesday), 8:00 PM IST, at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai

Predicted XI:

Chennai Super Kings

Kolkata Knight Riders

Head to Head

Statistical Highlights

• Suresh Raina needs another 49 runs to overtake Virat Kohli as the leading run-scorer in the history of IPL.

• Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell is one wicket away from taking 50 wickets in IPL. He will become the first KKR fast bowler to claim 50 or more wickets.

• Piyush Chawla needs another six wickets to complete 150 IPL wickets.

Pitch Conditions

Chepauk has been the spinners fortress over the years in the history of IPL. Both teams have quality spinners in their ranks to exploit the conditions. The trick will be to win the toss and bowl first as the pitch has eased out in the second half making the run chase easy for the batsmen.

In a track like Chepauk, anything on and above 160 is a very good score.

Weather Conditions

It will be hot in Chennai with the temperature ranging a touch over 30 degrees Celsius. But with the humidity level around 80 percent, it will be really humid in Chennai which will take a toll on the players. Besides, there will be significant cloud covers during the game time; although there are no chances of precipitation at all.

Also, the level of dew will play a part in the game as the team bowling second will find it hard to grip the ball. So, both the skipper will like to win the toss and bowl first as it will be easier to chase in the second half.

Match Predictions

Both Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are coming from the back of some notable performances. As they look forward, both sides will look to keep the winning momentum going. However, it won’t be easy for anybody as it is likely to go to the wire and keep the fans on their sit till the last delivery.

Although Chennai is playing at their fortress, the devastating form of Andre Russell gives Kolkata Knight Riders a slight advantage over the home side.

Meanwhile, if Kolkata manages to secure a win, they will strengthen their grip at the top of the table. On the other hand, if Chennai Super Kings grabs a victory, they will leapfrog Kolkata Knight Riders to the top of the points table.