After all the build-up, mega auctions and planning, we’re all set for the start of the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The finalists from the last season kick things off. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
After having their worst season in 2020, CSK bounced back in style to win the IPL 2021 which was their fourth IPL title. They tried to buy back most of their core players from the last season. Moreover, CSK have once again invested quite a bit in all-rounders and experienced players. They have a good all-round depth in their squad but their fast-bowling stocks seem slightly thin and the injury to Deepak Chahar hasn’t helped their cause either. Hence, the MS Dhoni-led side will be looking up to their veteran stars to take charge once again.
KKR’s story isn’t too different. They brought back a few of their stars from last season like Pat Cummins, Nitish Rana and Shivam Mavi but their bowling doesn’t inspire too much confidence. Umesh Yadav is the lead Indian fast bowler but there aren’t many renowned names. Hence, Cummins, Yadav and Mavi have to do most of the heavy-lifting throughout the season. Meanwhile, they have good Indian options with the bat but the injury to Alex Hales has added a bit of concern at the top. Shreyas Iyer’s inclusion will be a huge boast and he has been announced as the new captain.
Match Summary
- Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Match 1, IPL 2022
- Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- March 26th, 2022
Head to head record skewed heavily in favour of CSK
CSK and KKR have played 26 matches against each other in the history of the IPL and CSK have won 17 of those games while KKR have won just eight. Moreover, over the last three seasons, CSK have won six out of the seven games that these two sides have played.
CSK’s remarkable comeback since 2018 and their opening game success
Ever since CSK returned to the IPL fold in 2018, they’ve been insanely consistent. The MS Dhoni-led side have made it to three finals in four seasons and have won two of them. The only season they failed was 2020 when they finished seventh with six wins and eight losses. In the other seasons, they won a minimum of nine games during the league phase and finished in the top two.
In addition, CSK have won their opening game of the season in each of their last five seasons, including 2015. Even in 2020 when they struggled, they managed to beat Mumbai Indians in the tournament opener.
Team News
Deepak Chahar is likely to miss a majority of this IPL 2022 and that’s a massive blow to CSK. Either they will need to field two overseas fast bowlers or go in with the uncapped options of Tushar Deshpande, Simarjeet Singh or KM Asif assuming that Rajvardhan Hangargekar gets the nod. Apart from Chahar, all their players are available for most part of the season.
Meanwhile, Alex Hales has pulled out of the IPL and Aaron Finch replaces him in the KKR camp. However, he won’t be available till the 6th of April as he will be in Pakistan with the Australian ODI and T20I sides. Pat Cummins is also unavailable till the same. All the other players are likely to be available ahead of the first game.
Match prediction
CSK will go in as favourites and they have the winning odds of 1.75. However, don’t rule KKR out. They have decent firepower and will give CSK a run for their money. Their odds are placed at 1.98 to win this game.
Who will win the Man of the Match?
Moeen Ali was superb for CSK last season, especially in the first half. The off-spinning all-rounder will enjoy batting at the Wankhede Stadium where the ball comes on nicely and the boundaries are quite short. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s consistency also makes him a contender. He was the Orange Cap winner last season (635 runs).
As far as KKR are concerned, Venkatesh Iyer had a breakthrough season in the second half of 2021 and he could be the one to watch out for. Andre Russell will be looking to make amends for last season and he will be a strong contender to be the player of the match too.
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- Thousands of markets – fixed odds and live betting included
- A variety of top licenses – including MGA and UKGC