Chennai: Lying second and third on the points table respectively, the contest between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is expected to be high voltage with names like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Morne Morkel and the likes. But there are some players in both the teams who can turn the match from any given situation. Let’s find out.
CSK
Dwayne Smith: The Caribbean is in rampage mode. With 228 runs from six matches at a strike rate of 144.30 – his wicket could be crucial upfront for KKR.
Brendon McCullum: The destructive Kiwi slammed a 56-ball 100 against Sunrisers Hyderabad early in the tournament and since then, he has been unstoppable. At a strike rate of 171.80 and 232 runs, he also has a half-century under his belt.
Suresh Raina: The southpaw has been in good touch since the ICC World Cup and when it comes to donning that yellow jersey in the IPL, he lets his hair down. His message was loud and clear when he scored the 32-ball 62 against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
KKR
Gautam Gambhir: He has been in good touch and if he decides to play out 20 overs, KKR is bound to sniff victory. Gambhir always led from the front and is still the man who can make a difference. He already has three half-centuries in five matches.
Suryakumar Yadav: This youngster is unpredictable. Even in a tense moment, he can casually flick for a six. Incredible talent. Unorthodox shots is his forte. Though he is yet to score a fifty, his strike rate is 185.96.
Morne Morkel: The South African speedster has nine victims in five matches at an economy of 7.05 with best figures of 2/18. A couple of blows from him early on could put the opposition on back foot.
(Photos: BCCI)
