IPL 2015, Match 28, CSK vs KKR: Players to watch out for
Two most successful IPL franchises collide in Match 28 of the tournament. Having won the league on two occasions each, the prospect of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) taking on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is a mouthwatering one.
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New Delhi: Two most successful IPL franchises collide in Match 28 of the tournament. Both having won the league on two occasions each, the prospect of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) taking on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is a mouthwatering one.
CSK comes into this match on the back of a resounding 97-run win over KXIP in Match 24. While Match 25 involving KKR and RR was washed out without a ball being bowled.
A win for Gautam Gambhir's side will help consolidate their third position on the points table. For MS Dhoni, picking up the two points on offer will propel them to the top of the table with a match in hand.
Over the years, CSK has dominated this fixture with a head-to-head record of 9-4 against KKR. However last season, honours were even as both teams won a match each.
As two IPL heavyweights clash, we highlight a key player from each side who could help his side emerge victorious at the Chepauk.
Brendon McCullum (CSK)
Brendon McCullum's opening partnership with Dwayne Smith is without doubt the most dangerous and explosive batting combination in IPL 2015. The New Zealand skipper has scored 232 runs in 6 matches at a strike rate of 171.85. The right-hander scored the first ton of this edition with an unbeaten 100 against SRH. The brutal approach of the 34-year-old at the top unsettles bowlers and gives his side the edge in the initial exchanges of matches. McCullum will be expected to dominate the strong bowling attack of KKR, which includes Morne Morkel and Umesh Yadav.
Robin Uthappa (KKR)
Robin Uthappa was the star of KKR's campaign as they clinched their 2nd IPL title in 2014. The opener scored 660 runs with 5 fifties in 16 matches at an average of 44. The Karnataka batsman got his side off to a solid start in almost every match, showcasing remarkable consistency in this unpredictable format. The wicketkeeper-batsman has struggled this season, having scored only 104 runs in 5 outings with a highest score of 35. Playing a crucial knock against the best team in the league would indeed be the perfect way for Robbie to get his mojo back this season.
Key stats
KKR has won only 2 of the 6 matches they have played in Chennai.
Brendon McCullum has posted scores of 100* (56 balls) and 66 (44 balls) in his last two outings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.