If it is difficult to win the Indian Premier League (IPL), and even more so to defend it. And apart from the Mumbai Indians (MI), the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is the only team to have done so. Hence, yet again the expectation of their huge fanbase will be on the yellow brigade to repeat that feat as they commence their campaign under a new leader, Ravindra Jadeja, against last season's runner-up Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 1 of IPL 2022 at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on the evening of Saturday, 26 March 26.
Appointing Jadeja captain just two days before the start of a new season came as a surprise to many. But perhaps the timing was perfect planned – right before this remodelled CSK side starts its journey, with M.S. Dhoni still with them as player to guide the new captain on and off the field.
KKR, too, will be rallying under a new leader, Shreyas Iyer, considered as a long-term option by the team management. They went over their budget in the mega auction to secure his services. He is coming into this IPL following a wonderful stint with bat at the Indian team in home series against West Indies and Sri Lanka. At No. 3, he is expected to add a much-needed stability to KKR line-up.
Both teams will miss key players in this tournament opener.
Moeen Ali of Chennai will not be available for selection for this game due to his late arrival in India. They are likely to ask Robin Uthappa to bat at No. 3 and play mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana to counter the KKR power-hitters in the middle-overs.
KKR, on the other hand, will miss two premier overseas pacers, in Pat Cummins and Tim Southee. Considering the pace-friendly Wankhede wicket and CSK's previous track-record on this pitch against quality fast bowlers, Kolkata's fast bowling looks a bit off-colour without them.
The impressive New Zealand opener Devon Conway will make his IPL debut. His game at the top is ideally suited for CSK. His ability to slog sweep the spinners will come handy against KKR, who primarily use 10 to 12 overs of spin every time. CSK are also likely to play pace-bowling all-rounder Rajvardhan Hangargekar, a key performer for India in the recent Under-19 World Cup in the Caribbean. A hit-the-deck bowler, Hangargekar should get extra lift off the Wankhede surface, and is a ferocious hitter.
Kolkata will probably look to utilise the experience of Ajinkya Rahane, a decent hitter during the Powerplay overs, at the top, and hence prolong their batting by putting the likes of Nitish Rana and Sam Billings in the middle order.
Likely XIs
Chennai Super Kings: Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja(c), MS Dhoni (wk), Maheesh Theekshana, Dwayne Bravo, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Adam Milne
Kolkata Knight Riders: Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Sam Billings (wk), Andre Russell, Chamika Karunaratne, Sunil Narine, Shivam Mavi, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
Fantasy tips
- The Wankhede wicket will suit the stroke-players, and both teams have them in plenty. Do pick them in your fantasy XI.
- Russell is still KKR's trump card with bat and ball, and the pitch is ideally suited for his kind of player. Irrespective of his recent form, you can still consider making him your captain or vice-captain.
- Theekshana can be CSK's X-factor. Most KKR batters have not faced him before. Back him.
Where to watch
Live streaming of Match 1 of IPL 2022 between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will start at 7.30 PM IST on March 26. You can watch the match on the Star Sports Network and Hotstar.