Ranchi: As the IPL action shifts to India after a rendezvous in the UAE, formidable Chennai Super Kings will seek to continue their winning momentum when they lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders, who will be hoping for a reversal in fortunes, here on Friday.
Since being out-slugged by table-toppers Kings XI Punjab in their high-scoring opening game, two-time champions CSK brought their A-game into play, winning the next four matches with ease.
In contrast, the Knight Riders, who kicked off the seventh season of the league with a bang, lost their way somewhat in the UAE, where the first leg matches were held.
With three defeats and two victories, the former champions will hope that their fortunes change for the better in their ‘home’ match.
As far as the two captains are concerned, MS Dhoni is always confidence personified and has been marshalling the CSK outfit from the inaugural edition, and with a lot of success too.
His counterpart, Gautam Gambhir, after a miserable run of form that saw him being dismissed for two consecutive ducks, will be pleased with the 40-odd runs he made in his side’s last game, although in a losing cause.
Considering the thin batting line-up, Gambhir’s presence is of paramount importance to KKR, and he would, as usual, expect veteran all-rounder Jacques Kallis to bring into play all his experience.
Youngsters Manvinder Bisla, Manish Pandey and Suryakumar Yadav will have to put up a much better display if they are to tame the Super Kings. (PTI)