Danijones

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants, streaming, Scorecard, Playing XI – India TV

Danijones7 months ago02 mins

Image Source : INDIA TV KKR vs LSG IPL 2024 match. KKR vs LSG IPL 2024 Live Score: Kolkata Knight Riders host Lucknow Super Giants at home KKR vs LSG IPL 2024 Live Score: Kolkata Knight Riders host Lucknow Super Giants at the Eden Gardens as they look to return to winning ways after suffering a defeat in the previous game against Chennai Super Kings. KKR were one of the two unbeaten teams along with Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing season but lost their fourth game to CSK. They now look to bounce back from that setback. Meanwhile, the Super Giants won three out of three after losing their opener but lost their fifth game to Delhi Capitals recently. LSG are placed in the top four and are looking to stay there bag two crucial points at KKR’s home, which can be termed as their home too. Follow for all the latest updates. Match Scorecard

Travis Head eyes good preparation in IPL for T20 World Cup | Cricket News

Danijones7 months ago09 mins

NEW DELHI: Travis Head‘s career graph saw a slight uptick in 2023, but the Australian batter is aware that maintaining that level will be difficult, and the forthcoming T20 World Cup will be his first stop on that trip.Head’s hundreds in two of the biggest cricketing occasions last year – the WTC final and the 50-over World Cup summit clash – were Australia’s guiding force against India.However, the 30-year-old now hopes that his time in the Indian Premier League would help him be at his best for the World Cup.“I’ve come a long way as a player. I guess owning a little bit of the style I want to play and the way I have played overseas too, I’ve been able to tick a few boxes. Now, the pressure is to continue to play the way I am playing,” Head told PTI in Bengaluru.“I think in all formats, I need to make sure that I go back to what simplifies everything, which is my technique and my blueprint,” he added.In the current IPL, Head demonstrated his ability to adjust while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad.As an opener, Head made 133 runs from five matches while striking at 177, giving SRH early momentum and also underscoring his readiness for a hectic T20 role for his country.“With the World Cup coming around the corner and, hopefully, being involved in that squad and batting at the top of the order…it gives me good preparation here in the IPL to try and get some runs and have a little bit of form going into the World Cup,” noted Head.But playing a full season of IPL could lead to burnout ahead of the ICC marquee event in June.Head was aware of it. “I think it is important for me to make sure that I’m mentally fresh throughout the IPL and continuing to work on my game, and making sure that I am ready for the World Cup when that time comes. But I am feeling like I am prepared and ready at the moment,” he added.The confidence level inside Head was evident when he smashed a 24-ball 62 in his first IPL match in seven years.The South Australian said his increased game awareness helped him make an instant impact.“It was nice to get some runs in the first game, and honestly, I didn’t really have too many expectations.It’s been a long time between IPLs for me, seven years, but I’ve learned a lot over that time and am a lot more mature now.“I feel like I understand my game a lot more. So, a lot of different feelings coming back and not trying to be too nervous or worried about results. I am just making sure that the things that I’ve done over the last few years are going to work and I best prepare myself to play well for the franchise,” he said.However, Head admitted that the presence of Pat Cummins (captain) and Daniel Vettori (head coach) in the SRH dressing room eased him into the new environment.“Definitely having Pat and Dan, who I’ve worked closely with for Australia in the last few years, has helped me. It’s a very relaxed environment.“Soon as I got my contract, I knew that I had the backing from those guys and they’ve confidence in my game,” he said.Head describes the World Cup final in Ahmedabad as the greatest highlight of his career. With a brilliant century of 120 balls, the left-hander led Australia to win by six wickets and their sixth ODI World Cup.“I think the World Cup final was probably the biggest match of my career, regardless of whether I got runs or not. It was a huge moment. Obviously, I have not played in a World Cup before.“So, to have all the stuff that happened, making it to a final and then being able to contribute in the final makes it all so much better,” he explained.In addition to scoring a 90 at Ahmedabad and a few 40s at New Delhi and Indore during the 2023 Test series, Head said that this performance laid the groundwork for his resounding victory over India.“The two finals come to mind. But a big Test series (2023) and some T20 games in between…I feel I drew a lot of my blueprint and confidence from that Test tour in India, which then flowed into the World Test Championship and then especially to the World Cup final.“I was able to draw back on some of the things that worked well on those wickets and it’s nice that it has come together in big games for me,” Head offered.Head thought that his assured demeanor resonated perfectly in the Hyderabad team’s changing room during the current IPL.“We want to be aggressive and I think we’ve shown that in the first five games. It suited me as well. I feel, at the moment, we’re being really aggressive in the right way and the right moments.“Obviously, Power Play is very important for us and hopefully Abhi (Abhishek Sharma) and I can continue to do what we’ve been doing in the Power Play,” he signed off. (With PTI inputs)

From Virat Kohli To Hardik Pandya: 5 T20 World Cup Selection Calls That Could Storm The World

Danijones7 months ago010 mins

It’s that time of the year again when India will get an opportunity to end their ICC trophy drought. The T20 World Cup 2024 is just around the verge with its participants gearing up for the marquee event scheduled to be held in the United States and the West Indies in June later this year. Whatever you say about prioritising domestic cricket or not, the ongoing IPL 2024 season will be more important for the T20 World Cup selection than any other domestic tournament. So, the high-profile T20 league will be crucial for contenders to stake claim in India’s 15-member T20 World Cup 2024 squad because there isn’t even a week between the IPL and the upcoming ICC T20 event. (IPL 2024 Points Table) Nearly a third of the IPL is over with a few contenders already making their mark in the league. Let’s first look at a few players that are reasonable certainties. Any such list should always begin with skipper Rohit Sharma, he will open the proceedings with Yashasvi Jaiswal. And once you bring back Rohit, there is no point in leaving Virat Kohli behind, knowing that India’s batting still revolves around him. The only other batter who will certainly fly to the West Indies and the United States is Suryakumar Yadav, considering his 17-ball fifty against RCB on his comeback. In addition to these star batters, Jasprit Bumrah is also a no-brainer for the ICC event. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja are most likely to cement their places in the spin department. Meanwhile, the return of Rishabh Pant and the rich form of Yuzvendra Chahal has also perplexed the Indian think tank. Ahead of the squad announcement, the selectors will be keenly looking for a handful of answers from IPL to their questions. Keeping that in mind, let’s take a look at a few debate-stirring points on T20 WC squad selection. Seam-bowling all-rounder as sixth bowling option If fully fit and in form, Mumbai Indians’ new skipper Hardik Pandya is a definite starter. But the selectors will want to see what kind of role he plays for his IPL team. After five games this season, Hardik has scored 129 runs and has leaked runs at 11.12 in three innings. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube has had a wonderful start to the IPL 2024, with 176 runs in five innings at an impressive strike rate of 160, but he is yet to bowl in this IPL and that is what has thrown challenges to the selectors. However, it will be interesting to see how Shivam Dube will be accommodated in the playing XI. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant ready for T20 World Cup? PBKS batter Jitesh Sharma was the closest contender for the wicketkeeper role at the start of the IPL but the decision-makers would ideally have liked to see him a little more in international outings. However, the return of Rishabh Pant has cleared the doubts concerning his recent form in the IPL. The southpaw smashed 196 runs in six innings at 157.72. Pant has competition from the likes of Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan, who are likely to be vying for the second wicketkeeper slot in the squad. “Yeah look it’s great for Indian cricket, but it’s also great for Rishabh Pant. I think the work that has gone into his rehab to get back to that level of play at any standard is an amazing achievement. “He deserves a lot of credit for his hard work and it’s great to see him on the field, captaining and playing well, batting and keeping,” former Australia captain Michael Clarke was quoted as saying to IPL broadcaster Star Sports. Pant, who had surgery on his knee, has shown that he is ready to bat and keep. Does Virat Kohli deserve a place in the squad? Former India captain Virat Kohli is currently leading the Orange Cap list after amassing 319 runs in six matches at 79.75, including a century. There is no way he is going to be left out, despite some talks to the contrary about his ‘anchoring’ strike rate. Virat has been an absolute match-winner for India since his international debut. In T20 World Cups, he has accumulated 1,141 runs in 25 innings at an impressive average of 81.50 and a strike rate over 130. With an immense experience of 117 T20I matches, Virat’s presence in the middle order as an anchor will only provide balance alongside the swashbuckling and aggressive styles of Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Rinku Singh, and Shivam Dube. Pace bowlers apart from Bumrah Jasprit Bumrah is there for sure. He will be leading India’s pace battery in the T20 World Cup. But, India needs two more quicks in the starting XI for the ICC event. With Mohammed Shami out of contention due to injury and Bhuvneshwar Kumar not in India’s T20 schemes since the 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup, no one is closer to Bumrah in terms of quality and experience. The last squad that played against Afghanistan featured Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar. One of the all-format pacers, Mohammed Siraj has been conceding runs at 10.40 in the ongoing IPL with only four scalps to his name after six matches. Lucknow Super Giants’ pace sensation Mayank Yadav was somewhere in the talks of making the squad but he still needs a handful of international matches to prove his worth. With India’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 likely to be announced in the last week of April, these contenders have limited opportunities to impress and partner Bumrah in the fast bowling department. Who are the death-over hitters? Finishers auditioning for the aforementioned role must be able to strike 180 or more in overs 17 to 20. For that role, no one can go beyond Rinku Singh, at least in the T20 format. The southpaw has smashed 356 runs in 11 T20I innings at a whopping strike rate of 176.23. There is no reason to keep him…

IPL 2024 | Sunil Narine happy with my KKR return and his IPL 2024 performances: Gautam Gambhir

Danijones7 months ago01 mins

It was a rather starry affair with VVIPs and celebs at Diljit Dosanjh’s Mumbai concert on April 13. Isha Ambani’s husband Anand Piramal arrived, surrounded by an entourage of security. Apart from him, Tamannaah Bhatia-Vijay Varma, Rajkummar Rao-Patralekhaa, Arpita Khan Sharma, Shura Khan, Iulia Vantur, Taapsee Pannu, Kriti Sanon with sister Nupur Sanon, Ram Kapoor-Gautami Kapoor, Munawar Faruqui, Avneet Kaur, Maniesh Paul, Tejasswi Prakash-Karan Kundrra, Boney Kapoor, and others were present at the event.

Virat Kohli Orders Pizza, Aloo Chaat, Barfi, Leaves Faf Du Plessis In Shock. Watch

Danijones7 months ago04 mins

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are having tough time in the ongoing IPL 2024 as they have lost five out of their first six games. Currently placed at the bottom of the points table, the Faf du Plessis-led side lost their latest match against five-time champions Mumbai Indians by seven wickets. The match began with RCB posting a huge total of 196/8 in 20 overs. However, MI comfortably chased down the target in just 15.3 overs with Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav scoring 69 and 52 runs respectively. Read here: IPL 2024 Points Table Despite having a forgettable campaign, RCB players are maintaining a positive attitude off the field. A perfect of example of this was seen in an advertisement video, featuring Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj, and Faf. In the video, Kohli, who is widely popular for his strict diet and extreme fitness routine, was seen ordering junk food like pizza, aloo chaat, and barfi. Virat Kohli says goodbye to diet. pic.twitter.com/9SFBy0Aham — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 13, 2024 Faf, who lying beside Kohli, was shocked to hear all this from his star batter and said, “Seriously?” Pacer also asked Kohli, “Your diet?” Replying to both of them, Kohli said, “Abbe Kaahe ki diet, khaane de. (What diet? Let me eat).” Recently, former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull believes that India should use Kohli as an opener along with Rohit Sharma in the upcoming T20 World Cup. “I think Virat should open…100 per cent. I don’t think he should bat at number three, because if he does, then Rinku Singh will miss out. And in my India starting XI, Rinku has to play. Therefore, Virat’s got to open the batting. Now who he opens with, up to you. If it is Rohit Sharma or Jaiswal. But Kohli has to open, because in the modern game that is his best position. He hits the quick bowlers as good as anyone and he times the ball beautifully. Coming in and starting against spin is not his best option,” Moody said on Cricbuzz. In the ongoing IPL, Kohli has scored 319 runs in just six matches and is currently the highest run-scorer of the season. Topics mentioned in this article

Watch – ‘And then you die and…’: Virat Kohli on sticking to RCB despite multiple offers | Cricket News

Danijones7 months ago07 mins

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are synonymous to each other in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Virat has played for RCB since IPL’s inaugural season in 2008 and stuck to it.IPL ORANGE CAP | IPL PURPLE CAP | IPL POINTS TABLEVirat has been the captain of RCB for several seasons, bringing his aggressive and passionate style of leadership to the team. Under his captaincy, RCB has seen both highs and lows, including reaching the IPL finals in 2016.But Kohli has stuck with the team even though RCB still haven’t won the IPL trophy.In a viral video, Kohli explains in a podcast what RCB means to him and why he has not joined any other team.The host asks, “Virat I know you love RCB just as much as RCB loves you. Even for a moment, for a second, while playing this IPL, have you ever wondered is the grass greener on the other side?”Virat answers, “To be very honest I have thought about it, yes I won’t shy away from it and I’ve been approached many times as well to come into the auction somehow, put my name in there and stuff. And then I thought about it I was like at the end of the day everyone has X number of years they live right and then you die and then life moves on. And there would have been many great people who want trophies and this that blah blah blah but no one addresses you in the room like “Oh he’s an IPL champion” or “he’s a World Cup champion”. “And it’s like if you’re a good person, people like you and if you’re a bad guy, they stay away from you and eventually that’s what life is all about so for me the understanding that the loyalty with RCB is like how I follow my life is far greater for me than the fact that yes five people in the room would say, “Oh finally you’ve won the IPL with whoever XYZ and yeah you feel good for five minutes but then the sixth minute you could be miserable with some other issue in life, so it is not the end of the world for me,” Kohli adds.Kohli goes on to say, “What this franchise (RCB) has given me in terms of opportunity in the first three years and believed in me, that is the most special thing because as I said there were many teams who had the opportunity but they didn’t back me, they didn’t believe in me so now when I’m successful and I should fall to the opinion of people saying “but the IPL”. This was the case with me till 2018 England tour happened. For four years of my life I was doing well everywhere in the world, the only thing was but “England”. So there’s always going to be buts, you literally can’t live your life like that and I just carry on my own thing and I actually honestly don’t even bother about a third person beyond myself, Anushka discussing things and just being true to ourselves. And that’s it for me, nothing else and no one else’s opinion matters at all.” Overall, Virat Kohli’s journey with RCB has been marked by exceptional batting displays, leadership challenges, and a strong connection with the team’s fan base, making him a central figure in the franchise’s history.Despite Kohli’s individual brilliance, RCB has often struggled to clinch the IPL title. They have reached the playoffs on multiple occasions but have faced challenges in converting those opportunities into championships.Unlike many other players who have switched teams over the years, Kohli has remained loyal to RCB throughout his IPL career. His commitment to the franchise has made him a beloved figure among RCB fans.Kohli’s personal achievements, including multiple centuries and accolades like the Orange Cap, highlight his impact on the team.

From captain to bus driver: Fans react as Rohit Sharma takes up new role for Mumbai Indians

Danijones7 months ago03 mins

Image Source : PTI Rohit Sharma. There is a humourous side to Rohit Sharma that often brings a smile to the faces of cricket fans around the world and ‘The Hitman’ showcased something similar when he took the driver’s seat of the Mumbai Indians’ team bus. In a viral video, Rohit can be seen acting as the driver of the Mumbai Indians’ (MI) team bus and entertaining the fans who had gathered around it to get a glimpse of their favourite stars. Watch the video: Rohit’s gesture amused the fans and got them laughing. Some of the fans who had assembled around the team bus took their phones out to capture the rib-tickling moment and the video is now doing rounds across several social media platforms. Meanwhile, Mumbai have suddenly picked up the winning momentum and have won two games on the trot. They are seventh on the points table with two wins in five games. Their net run rate (NRR) (-0.073) needs to improve as well. The five-time champions will be taking on the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the El Classico on Sunday (April 14) at the Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai Indians have history on their side as they have won 20 games against Chennai whereas CSK have won only 16 matches. Chennai Super Kings are coming into this contest on the back of an impressive seven-wicket over Kolkata Knight Riders. Hence, the clash between both sides promises to be an exciting one. Mumbai Indians IPL 2024 squad Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Mohammad Nabi, Shreyas Gopal, Jasprit Bumrah, Gerald Coetzee, Akash Madhwal, Suryakumar Yadav, Dewald Brevis, Naman Dhir, Nehal Wadhera, Harvik Desai, Piyush Chawla, Kwena Maphaka, Shams Mulani, Luke Wood, Vishnu Vinod, Arjun Tendulkar, Kumar Kartikeya, Shivalik Sharma, Nuwan Thushara, Anshul Kamboj

Why Sanju Samson is at disadvantage in battle against Rishabh Pant for T20 World Cup spot | Cricket

Danijones7 months ago08 mins

There is a logjam at the top of the batting order. There is a scramble for one, at the most two, wicketkeeping slots. And the two are not mutually exclusive. Over the next two weeks, the key decision-makers will have difficult calls to make as they zero in on the 15 that will mount India’s campaign at the T20 World Cup. Can Sanju Samson pip Rishabh Pant in the race to make the T20 World Cup squad? There are numerous open-and-shut cases and a fair few shoo-ins, but Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid, in conjunction with Ajit Agarkar’s selection panel, will have their work cut out when they discuss who should don the big gloves. The options are manifold – KL Rahul, the currently out-of-favour Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, who all regularly bat in the top three, as well as the returning Rishabh Pant and Jitesh Sharma, both of whom bat a little lower down. Dhruv Jurel, who made a roaring Test debut against England in February, might have fancied his chances had he not had to cede ‘keeping responsibilities at Rajasthan Royals to his captain, Samson. And, it’s possible that, having watched Dinesh Karthik lay into the Mumbai Indians bowlers a few days back, Rohit might have sounded out the veteran too, even if Karthik himself might have laughed it off. Unlock exclusive access to the story of India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Samson and Pant loom as the two obvious candidates, though Rahul’s pedigree and past dalliances suggest that the Bengalurean can never be dismissed as not being in contention. Kishan is well on the way to redemption, his left-handedness an added string to his bow, but given how the first three weeks of the IPL have panned out, it’s difficult to look currently beyond Samson and Pant. The vastly experienced but tremendously under-achieving (at the international level) Samson is the third highest run-scorer in IPL 2024, behind only Virat Kohli and his teammate Riyan Parag. He has batted at No. 3, controlling the innings without succumbing to the temptation of playing the anchoring role. At 29, Samson is a certified veteran who has played upwards of 260 representative T20 games, though in 25 T20Is spread over eight and a half years, he averages a mere 18.70 with a solitary half-century. In this IPL, more than ever before, Samson has showcased a maturity and a hunger that suggests that, finally, he has turned the corner. In the past, he would invariably fade away after a brilliant first three or four matches but now, armed with a greater understanding of his strengths and weaknesses, and mindful of the responsibility entrusted to him by a franchise that has invested heavily in him, he has married aggression and fluency with consistency. His 264 runs in six innings have come at a strike-rate of 155.29; of the 170 deliveries faced, he has slammed 25 fours and 11 sixes. If that isn’t making a case for himself, very little is. The problem is, all these have been fashioned at No. 3, and India are already spoilt for choices as far as top-order options are concerned. Rohit and Kohli apart, in the mix as specialist batters are Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav; throw in Rahul and Kishan, and the embarrassment of riches becomes all too obvious. Which organically turns the attention on Pant. Successfully winning the race against time to be fully fit for the IPL, some 14 months after a life-threatening car crash, the gifted and equanimous young man has exploded all doubts surrounding him. His ‘keeping has been typically efficient and after an understandably tepid start with the bat, he has come into his own. Time away from the sport has done little to blunt his unorthodoxy or his cheekiness; if anything, grateful for a second chance, he has been more adventurous without seeking recourse to recklessness. In a floundering Delhi Capitals set-up where he has walked into a crisis more often than not, Pant has stacked up 194 runs, strike-rate 157.72, 16 fours and 11 sixes in 123 deliveries. India don’t have as many apparent choices from No. 5 down – Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya? – as in the top four, which automatically buttresses Pant’s profile that much more. Because he is a left-hander, he is capable naturally of upsetting opposition plans, and his ability to fit in as a floater is a further notch in his belt. Perhaps in the year and a quarter when he was recuperating, most others knew that they were merely warming the seat. Now that Pant has proved that he is both physically in peak shape and match-fit, and that he is none the worse for wear, he ought to be first among equals. With Samson breathing down his neck.

Riyan Parag For “T20 World Cup”? Ex-India Star Says He ‘Won’t Be Surprised’

Danijones7 months ago03 mins

Wasim Jaffer feels Riyan Parag might be considered for a place in the T20 World Cup.© BCCI Former India batter Wasim Jaffer suggested that he won’t be surprised if Rajasthan Royals (RR) all-rounder Riyan Parag is considered for a place in the 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in West Indies and the USA. For years, the young right-handed batter faced trolls and criticism for his poor performances for RR. However, Parag has looked like a completely different player this season, and he is second in the list of highest run-scorers with 261 runs to his name in five matches. Read here: IPL 2024 Points Table Jaffer believes Parag might be on the list of names being considered for India’s T20 World Cup squad. “Looking at his form, I won’t be surprised if selectors are considering him for the T20 World Cup. The way he has played shows consistency, and I won’t be surprised if we see him there,” the former PBKS batting coach said on ESPNcricinfo. Jaffer also explained the reason behind Parag’s redemption arc and how the players has manage to shine this season, unlike the previous editions. “Riyan Parag is emerging to be a sensational player in this IPL. It’s pretty refreshing to see a young player performing like this. He has performed in the domestic cricket for Assam, and he’s carrying that form. The no.4 suits him better, as he gets some time to settle.” “The hard work is showing. He is fitter, and he looks composed. His shot selection is good; he has faced significant trolling over the past few years; he also played the difficult role of a finisher, but the Royals kept their faith in him. It feels like he has the right number now, and he is in the right frame of mind, too. He looks dedicated to proving everyone wrong,” he added. Only Virat Kohli (319) has scored more runs than Parag (261) in the ongoing IPL season. However, he will have a chance to overtake him when RR take on Punjab Kings on Saturday. Topics mentioned in this article

Farewell MS Dhoni? What Mumbai Indians vs CSK Clash Could Mean For ‘Thala’

Danijones7 months ago07 mins

The legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be in the spotlight in what could be his final game at the iconic Wankhede Stadium when defending champions Chennai Super Kings take on Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League here on Sunday. Dhoni returns to the hallowed turf of Wankhede for the first time ever as a non-captain of the CSK, potentially in his last IPL season. It will also be his first appearance as just a player for any team since November 2005. (IPL 2024 Points Table) Even at 42, Dhoni’s glove-work remains impeccable and so does his assessment of the game like always. But CSK will hope that his tactical acumen also helps them improve a dismal away record this season, having suffered two defeats on the road. CSK would also hope their recent record against MI — four wins in last five matches including their seven-wicket win here last season — holds them in good stead. Two of IPL’s most successful teams with five titles each, both sides are witnessing a tectonic shift of leadership change with Hardik Pandya taking over the mantle from Rohit Sharma at MI and Ruturaj Gaikwad succeeding Dhoni at CSK, but there is nothing that suggests their intense rivalry would expect any such shift. If anything, CSK’s bowlers could be put to sword by the rampaging MI batters who have gone hammer and tongs at the flat pitches here, scoring in excess of 230 against Delhi Capitals and chasing down nearly 200 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru with more than four overs to spare. Pandya’s MI have found their footing after a jittery start. Their batters have done well in the last two outings and Suryakumar Yadav’s 17-ball fifty against RCB provides an ominous sign to CSK bowlers, who have shown mastery on slow, turning pitches at the Chepauk but remain untested on flat, batting-friendly surfaces. Ishan Kishan (161 runs) and Rohit’s opening stand would thus be crucial in the scheme of things but CSK would also have a lot of assurance with their own batting. Skipper Gaikwad may not be a marauder with the bat but he can be the silent enforcer in the CSK line-up, which has the exuberance of Rachin Ravindra at the top, sturdiness of Daryl Mitchell in the middle and explosiveness of Shivam Dube (176 runs), Ravindra Jadeja and Dhoni in the death overs. CSK would also be aware that seeing off the dexterous Jasprit Bumrah (10 wickets) and going after the rest of the MI bowling would be the key, since the others have given away runs at alarming rate while struggling with their line and lengths on placid surfaces. Despite Bumrah’s five-wicket haul, MI leaked runs at a high rate to allow RCB get closer to the 200-run mark here a few nights ago. A lot will be riding on Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande for CSK, who both return to their home ground, but Mustafizur Rahman (9 wickets) and the wily Jadeja would be the ones to watch out for given their recent exploits. On their part, teams say “we want to get as many runs as possible” but by the look of it, scores around 220-230 while batting first could be the best way possible to ensure an upperhand at this venue. Teams (from): Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Dewald Brevis, Jasprit Bumrah, Piyush Chawla, Gerald Coetzee, Tim David, Shreyas Gopal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Anshul Kamboj, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Kwena Maphaka, Mohammad Nabi, Shams Mulani, Naman Dhir, Shivalik Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Arjun Tendulkar, Nuwan Thushara, Tilak Varma, Vishnu Vinod, Nehal Wadhera, Luke Wood. Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni (wk), Aravelly Avanish (wk), Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, RS Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nishant Sindhu, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Choudhary, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Prashant Solanki, Shardul Thakur, Maheesh Theekshana, Sameer Rizvi. Match starts 7:30PM IST. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article