IPL4-Chennai Super Kings Vs Kolkata Knight Riders-Who Will Win?
CSK take on KKR in the opening match of IPL at Chennai on 08 April. KKR bear a new look after axing all the players who played under it’s banner last year. This could usher in good luck for ShaH Rukh Khan who owns this team.
CSK ( Winner of last year’sIPL) have retained four players out of last year’s team - Dhoni, Raina, Morkel and M Vijay. On paper, both teams are strong. Here is the comparison of teams.
CSK-
1. Reigning Champions. Retained core of their old their old squad including staff.
2.World Cup Winning Captain. Players will be more than willing to do their bit.
3. Excellent Previous Record. Reached finals in 2008, semifinal in 2009 and won the championships in 2010.
4. Have won 4 of the 6 matches played with KKR so far.
5. Retained four strong players who contributed immensely in previous three IPLs.
6. Strong Batting – D Hussey (to join later),Dhoni, Raina, Morkel, M Vijay, S Badrinath, U Tharanga, G Biley, D Bravo, Scott Styris and F Plessis. Absence of M Hayden will be felt.
7. Established All Rounders In Team-D Bravo, Morkel, Styriss, S Raina.
8 . Strong Bowling Department- Bollinger ( to join by end April), B Hifenhaus, Tim Southee, S Randiv, Kulasekara, R Ashwin, Jakati, Absence of Muralitharan will be felt.
KKR
1. Revamped Team. Players eager to do well.
2. Confident New Captain- Gambhir is on a high. Expected to keep the KKR flag flying high.
3. Erase Previous Records. Th team carries no legacy and will rewrite new chapters.
4. Strong Batting- Gambhir, Yusuf Pathan, J Kallis, E Morgan, M Tiwary, B Haddin (wkt keeper), R Doeschate, Bisla, Shakib Al Hassan, R Bhatia
5. Average Bowling Department- B Lee and J Pattison ( Available after 2 matches),L Balaji, Ladda, P Sangwan, Unadkat, Abdullah
6. Experienced All Rounders- Yusuf Pathan, J Kallis, Shakib Al Hassan, R Bhatia, L R Shukla,
My Assessment
CSK may look favorites but revamped KKR outfit is here with a purpose – to make their presence felt. However, absence of Lee, Pattison, Haddin and Shakib for two matches will be crucial for the team. Marginally weak in bowling, KKR still has enough talent to surprise CSK. Domestic batsmen of KKR are strong lads and will rise to the occasion. It will be a tough competeion for Mr Dhoni and his men.
