CSK vs KKR IPL 2021: 5 dream matchups as unbeaten Phase 2 teams clash
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in what will be a repeat of the 2012 IPL final, in Phase 2 of the ongoing season. The two teams have kicked off the second half of their campaign in some form, clinching back to back wins over defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Both teams will look to maintain their unbeaten start when they clash in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
On that note, here’s a look at five dream matchups in the CSK vs KKR IPL 2021 fixture
1. MS Dhoni vs Sunil Narine
MS Dhoni has traditionally struggled against Sunil Narine and his 35 dot balls in 14 innings against the KKR star is a testament to his inability to pick the West Indian. Dhoni has hit only a solitary boundary in the 66 balls he’s faced off Narine and scored a measly strike rate of 53.03. The former Indian captain will be keen to set the record straight, while Narine will look to further compound his struggles should they duel on Sunday.
2. Lockie Ferguson vs Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis has been one of the leading run-getters in the IPL this season, and the South African will face an early test in speedster Lockie Ferguson. Ferguson will look to replicate teammate Trent Boult and get the opener early, while Faf will look to ensure that he puts in yet another partnership and sets the stage for a grand finish in Abu Dhabi. Du Plessis has no particular problems against pace, but Ferguson can trouble the best in the business with his raw pace and accuracy.
3. Varun Chakravarthy vs Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad has been nothing short of sensational for CSK, and the young opener will be up against the mystery spin of Varun Chakravarthy. With this being a day game, Morgan will be tempted to try Varun Chakravarthy in the powerplay again to break CSK early. Both players arrive into the clash in some solid form and it will be an interesting match up in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
4. Venkatesh Iyer vs Deepak Chahar
In just two games, Venkatesh Iyer has shown his class and taken on the likes of Kyle Jamieson, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult with ease. Coming into the clash on the back of his maiden half-century, he will go up against Deepak Chahar, who will be CSK’s new ball hope. Chahar has been brilliant in the powerplay this season and will hope to strike early again and dismiss Iyer quickly to help CSK establish a foothold in the game.
5. Andre Russell vs Dwayne Bravo
The two West Indian all-rounders will go toe to toe in both innings, with both Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell expected to fulfil their duties in the death overs. Bravo has been fantastic with the ball for CSK in Phase 2, and his death bowling will be crucial to stopping Russell’s juggernaut. Bravo chipped in with a cameo against Mumbai, and Rusell will be aiming to dismiss his countryman on Sunday.
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