Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey

IPL 2019: CSK vs KKR Preview Dream11 Prediction. Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Preview Dream11 Prediction

Two of the most famous T20 franchises. Five IPL Titles between them. And now, you could easily claim either of these two will be IPL 2019 champions.

Chennai Super Kings host KKR in a blockbuster clash at Chennai. CSK got back to winning ways thanks to their spinners vs KXIP, guiding them to safety after what was a nervy partnership between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan. However, you feel CSK’s batting can go to another level, which is a scary proposition for opposition teams. CSK still sit high up on the table, and look good to stay there with their experienced team getting the job done consistently. Will they pick up a big coup?

Kolkata Knight Riders will certainly provide CSK with a big test. Conditions in Chennai often suit the slower bowlers, and KKR have a good spin attack, which was on show in restricting RR in slow conditions on Sunday. The addition of Harry Gurney immediately improved them, conceding at less than seven an over vs RR, and then chasing the total with ease. With KKR’s top order beginning to find their groove, will they make a big statement with a win over CSK?

Key to a CSK win

The addition of Faf du Plessis proved to be a fruitful one for CSK. His half century vs KXIP gave his side crucial impetus, with Shane Watson and Suresh Raina batting a combined 44 balls for 43 runs. CSK’s top three will be tested again by spin, so Watson and Raina in particular need to raise their game to reduce pressure on those around them. Can CSK set up a strong platform, with the likes of MS Dhoni, Ambati Rayudu and Kedar Jadhav finishing well?

Also, can CSK’s spinners get the better of KKR? RR’s stuttering bowling lineup certainly wasn’t able to, so the challenge for CSK will be to dislodge what is looking a strong batting line up. Deepak Chahar up top will be key in the powerplay, and will be keen to rediscover his touch after an expensive outing vs KXIP. Scott Kuggeleijn was also expensive (but good at the death), which places onus on these two to improve further and reduce the load on the spinners. Indeed, even if they bowl well, the spinners will be crucial in stifling the KKR top order, building the pressure on Andre Russell who wasn’t even needed vs RR. Will Harbhajan Singh, Ravindra Jadeja and Imran Tahir be effective again?

Key to a KKR win

Following their miracle win in Bengaluru, KKR then followed up with a mighty efficient display in Jaipur. That their top order did the job would have been pleasing, with Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine firing as an opening pair. If they can fire again, they can throw a spanner in Dhoni’s plans, who looks to Deepak Chahar as his main powerplay weapon. Then, with Nitish Rana, Robin Uthappa and Dinesh Karthik all with runs under their belt in IPL 2019, they can set a strong platform for Andre Russell against a side that can struggle at the death.

However, the key reason for the big win vs RR was the efficiency of their bowlers. They didn’t let the Royals break free, keeping things tight on a slow track. The same is needed against a more consistent batting line up, with Harry Gurney a crucial player in backing up the work of the spinners. Can KKR create more pressure on CSK’s top order, and then back it up against Dhoni and co?

Possible Playing 11

Can’t see CSK changing from their winning combination vs KXIP. However, one option could be Sam Billings, who was man of the match in an incredible game vs KKR at Chennai last year. But, who would he come in for?

CSK: 1. Shane Watson, 2. Faf du Plessis, 3. Suresh Raina, 4. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 5. Ambati Rayudu, 6. Kedar Jadhav, 7. Scott Kuggeleijn, 8. Ravindra Jadeja, 9. Deepak Chahar, 10. Harbhajan Singh, 11. Imran Tahir

The same applies to KKR. Can’t see them changing from their combination vs RR, especially with Harry Gurney making a fine debut.

KKR: 1. Chris Lynn, 2. Sunil Narine, 3. Nitish Rana, 4. Robin Uthappa, 5. Shubman Gill, 6. Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), 7. Andre Russell, 8. Piyush Chawla, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Prasidh Krishna, 11. Harry Gurney

Dream11 Prediction

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Key stats and points:

• The Chennai pitch has suited spin in IPL 2019. However, with KKR possessing a good group of spinners, CSK might guard against a turner.
• MS Dhoni vs KKR in IPL 2018: 25 (28) and 43* (25). Dinesh Karthik vs CSK in IPL 2018: 26 (25) and 45* (18). Both are very capable options, which then might come down to who bats first.
• Shane Watson had a strong IPL 2018 vs KKR: 42 (19) and 36 (25). His overall record vs KKR is strong, scoring 416 runs at 34.67, SR 148. However, his form in IPL 2019 has been shaky. Is this his time?
• Faf du Plessis was a welcome addition to CSK’s top order. He is coming off a 54 vs KXIP, and threatened in his last game vs KKR, making 27 (15).
• Suresh Raina has a superb record vs KKR, averaging nearly 44 in 20 innings. However, his form this season has been ordinary, scoring 118 runs at a SR of 113.46. Big player for the big game?
• Chris Lynn has hit some form, even despite such a lucky break vs RR. His last two scores: 43 (31) and 50 (32).
• Sunil Narine is still short of wickets in IPL 2019, but his hitting potential at the top of the innings makes for a good pick. He was man of the match in the last game vs CSK (2/20 and 32 off 20). Andre Russell wasn’t even needed against RR, but remains a very dangerous player. He scored 88* (36) vs CSK at Chennai in IPL 2019.
• How good was Harry Gurney on debut? A slowish pitch in Chennai could very well suit him.
• Harbhajan Singh provides excellent value. He has taken five wickets in two games at Chennai this season.
• Kuldeep Yadav and Piyush Chawla have each taken just three wickets in five IPL 2019 games. Room for one only with Gurney strong?

Option 1:

Option 2:

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Stats and Facts

• Head-to-head: Matches 19, CSK 11, KKR 7.
• CSK chased down 203 in a thriller vs KKR at Chennai in IPL 2018.
• Both teams have won four and lost one so far in IPL 2019.
• CSK and KKR have both won a game each against each other in the last three IPL editions.

Match Prediction

Wow, what a game this promises to be.

Two heavyweights going at it makes this a very interesting battle.

I am leaning towards a KKR win. The reason for this is that they have good players of spin in their middle order, which then sets things up for Andre Russell to target a Dwayne Bravo-less CSK line up at the death. Also, KKR can hold their own against CSK’s up-and-down top order.

Here is to a great game.

Thanks for reading!