The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 15th match of the ongoing Indian Super League (IPL) campaign. KKR come into this fixture with just one win in their IPL journey so far. They currently stand in fifth place, only 2 points behind CSK. The Chennai Super Kings are clear favorite coming into this matchup, and for the right reasons. With a better understanding of the pitch and a well-balanced side, CSK look to continue their impressive performances. However, the Kolkata Knight Riders will not be an easy fixture for them. As they to will look to impress and get back to winning terms.
Head coach Brendon McCullum believes his side needs to "tidy up some areas". If the loss against Mumbai Indians was down to a mental block and the lower order having to deal with the worst conditions the track had to offer on the night, the loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore was down to some poor execution. CSK have two wins from three games. While the wins have largely been set up by the bowlers, CSK will have no hesitation in admitting they haven't been their best so far. The matches at the venue produced two high-scoring contests in the first two games before the bowlers found some support from the track. Sunil Narine was carrying an injury and wasn't 100 percent fit till the third game. McCullum has clarified the allrounder now comes into the mix and could be an option to replace Shakib al Hasan in today's encounter. Sunil Narine has a great record against MS Dhoni, conceding only 30 runs off the 63 balls he's bowled to the CSK captain. The spinner has a good record against CSK in general (13 games, 14 wickets, Average: 22.43, SR: 22, ER: 6.12)
