After two comprehensive wins in two games, Chennai Super Kings will hope to ride the momentum when it takes on Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday.
The three-time champion has adapted to the conditions since its defeat to Delhi Capitals in the first match, winning a game each while chasing and defending.
The team has benefitted from the arrival of Moeen Ali, who has provided a spark to its batting firepower, playing at No. 3. With deep batting resources, stretching down to No. 11 Deepak Chahar, the team can be more aggressive at the top of the order.
The only area of concern is opener Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form, but coach Stephen Fleming categorically said the team would continue to back the youngster.
The team is unlikely to tinker with its line-up and is on firm footing against KKR, which will play its first game in Mumbai on Wednesday.
After a comprehensive win against Sunrisers Hyderabad in its first match, KKR has struggled. It lost from a position of strength against both Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The team will need a bit more consistency from its middle-order of Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan and Dinesh Karthik. Coach Brendon McCullum hinted that Sunil Narine could play in this game, most likely as a replacement for Shakib Al Hasan.
KKR will hope that the more batting-friendly pitches of Mumbai, compared with the ones in Chennai, can change its fortunes.
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