CSK vs KKR- 3 KKR Players To Look Out For

Prior to the start of the second leg of IPL 2021 in UAE, KKR were languishing at second from the bottom of the points table with only 2 wins in 7 matches. They had little hope of reaching the playoffs at the time. Perhaps, not a lot of people would have believed that this franchise would make such a turnaround in the second leg of the IPL 2021.

As it stands, Kolkata Knight Riders have reached the final of IPL 2021. They are coming into the final on the back of morale-boosting wins against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals in the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 match respectively.

Kolkata Knight Riders are slated to play the final of IPL 2021 against Chennai Super Kings on Friday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Here’s a look at their three players to watch out for in the high-octane clash:

CSK vs KKR- 3 CSK Players To Look Out For

Venkatesh Iyer

It won’t be wrong to say that the introduction of Venkatesh Iyer’s in the playing XI is the biggest reason behind KKK’s turnaround in fortunes in IPL 2021. Ahead of their first game of the second leg of IPL 2021 against, KKR added one more Indian batsman in their line-up to strengthen their lacklustre batting unit. Madhya Pradesh batsman, Venkatesh Iyer was asked to open the innings with Shubman Gill.

Right from the first ball, he looked all at ease. Iyer made heads turn with the kind of intent he showed during his knock. In just 27 balls, he scored 41 runs, a knock which was laced with 7 fours and 1 six. His spectacular knock helped them start their UAE campaign with a nine-wicket win over RCB.

Venkatesh Iyer has scored runs consistently, since. In 9 matches, he has managed to score 320 runs at an average of 40. He has the highest average amongst all the KKR batsmen this season. Iyer scored a crucial 55-run knock off 41 balls in the last game against Delhi Capitals. His outstanding run with the bat in the tournament makes him one of the players to watch out for in the final.

Shubman Gill:

Iyer’s form with the bat has allowed Gill to play freely. Unlike the first leg of the tournament, Shubman Gill has played with an aggressive mindset. He has taken on the attack right from the onset of the innings which has helped the team get quick-fire starts in the powerplay. In his last five innings, he has managed to hit three half-centuries.

In pursuit of 135 against Delhi in the Qualifier 2 match against Delhi Capitals, Gill stitched a 96-run partnership along with Venkatesh Iyer. He scored 46 runs in as many deliveries, giving his side an ideal start with the bat.

Thanks to his sensational ball-striking in the second leg of the tournament, Shubman Gill crossed the 400-run mark this season at an average of close to 30.

Varun Chakravarthy

Ahead of the final of IPL 2021 against CSK, Varun Chakaravarthy’s four overs are going to going to be extremely crucial from both team’s points of view. Varun Chakravarthy has been the most successful bowler for KKR this season both in terms of wickets and economy. He has picked 18 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 6.41.

The oppositions have looked to play him defensively, not taking a lot of risk. However, with Shakib Al Hasan and Sunil Narine also bowling extremely well, CSK might look to attack Chakravarthy. And, things could go wrong for them while doing so.

The KKR mystery spinner was the best bowler in the last game as he picked 2 wickets for just 26 runs against Delhi Capitals. He was the one who gave the first breakthrough in the fifth over after Delhi Capitals got off to a great start without losing a wicket.