Chennai: Chennai Super Kings And Kolkata Knight Riders have eight IPL titles between them but for now it is a battle of the backbenchers. While CSK are ninth with just two points, KKR have just one point, courtesy of a washout against Punjab Kings.For both the teams, Tuesday is a must-play at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The losing team will have a sinking feeling that a top four berth may be beyond them.
For CSK though, there are faint but growing signs of change. Despite three losses, CSK’s ability to cross the 200-run mark in a row has provided a silver lining. With the return of Devald Brewus adding renewed intent, Sanju Samson finding his rhythm and Jamie Overton showing a tough length, things suddenly look brighter for Rutoraj Gaikwad and co. As they turn the corner they seem to move upwards.On the other hand, nothing happened from a lackluster KKR side led by Ajinkya Rahaneso far this season. While the bowling looks pedestrian, the biggest concern is an explosive paper with the middle order – which includes Cameron Green, Rinko Singh and Rowman Powell – constantly misfiring. From failing to defend 220 in their opener to losing a game in their control against the supergiants at the death, KKR have no idea how to stop this rot.Their opener Finn Allen, who was in excellent touch for New Zealand in the T20 World Cup, has failed to make it to the IPL. Brushing it off as early season rust, he remained unconcerned.“That’s the nature of T20 cricket. It’s only been a couple of games and I don’t think you can judge too much from those games. I had a good start in the first two games and obviously I’d love to do more. But I think we’re doing all the right things preparation-wise, we’re waiting for it to click. If we win the game against Chennai, it starts our season and anything can happen,” Allen said on the eve of the match.Varun is fit to playThe main reason for KKR’s struggle is the off-form of mystery spinner C Varun. Also, he injured his hand in the second game, which ruled him out of the next two matches. However, now the KKR management has said that Varun has been cleared by the medical team for the match. On Monday, he was seen training in the Mack ‘B’ net with his left hand still taped.However, questions remain as to whether the Chennai native, who has been suffering from a slump in form, will feature in the playing XI.
