IPL 2023, KKR vs CSK | Preview, Pitch Report, Predicted XIs, Fantasy Tips & Prediction

image-lgrrxo0eKKR have won two and lost three games in IPL 2023 so far [Source: Twitter]


Match 33 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, will witness hosts Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at India's Mecca of Cricket Eden Gardens on Sunday evening. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes this season, with KKR losing their last three matches and CSK comprehensively winning their last two games. 

CSK holds an excessive lead in head-to-head matches, winning 18 against KKR's 10. At Eden Gardens, the tally is much closer; 5-4 in CSK's favour.

Team Preview: 

Kolkata Knight Riders

The Nitish Rana-led have a lot on their plate to sort out, given their horrendous batting performances in the last few matches. Against Delhi Capitals, KKR batters including Rana did not show any application and paid the price dearly.

Bowling has looked toothless in non-conducive conditions, where their spin-trio is nullified. In the absence of overseas pacers, the Indian recruit looks inexperienced. However, returning back to home turf could rekindle KKR's lost spark and spur a turnaround for them. 

Team Preview: 

Chennai Super Kings

Under MS Dhoni, CSK looks unfazed despite battling injury concerns with key players. Coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that Ben Stokes will be out for a week.

With the opening pair coming into their groove, the batting line-up looks solid as ever, with hard-hitters coming to bat as low as number 8. The introduction of Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana has strengthened the bowling attack for all conditions. 

Match Details

Date and Time: 23 April, 19:30 PM IST

Venue: Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata

Live Streaming and Broadcast: Jio Cinema & Star Sports Network

Pitch Conditions

As seen against SRH, the track will continue to assist the batters, however with the sun beating down, the dryness could see the spinner come into play. Dew, in the second half of the match, will ensure that the team that wins the toss opts to bowl first. 

Predicted Playing XIs

​Kolkata Knight Riders: Jason Roy, Litton Das (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana(c), Mandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Kulwant Khejroliya, Umesh Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy.

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(wk/c), Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Singh, and Matheesha Pathirana.

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

​Wicket-Keeper: Litton Das, MS Dhoni

Batters: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Venkatesh Iyer, Devon Conway, Jason Roy

All-Rounders: Andre Russell, Ravindra Jadeja

Bowlers: Sunil Narine, Akash Singh, Maheesh Theekshana, Suyash Sharma

Captain: MS Dhoni

Vice-Captain: Venkatesh Iyer

Prediction

​Going by form, CSK head into the encounter as firm favourites, however, one cannot rule out KKR in front of their home crowd. Skipper Rana will want to set things right before the tournament playoffs gets out of reach for the Knights.