IPL match preview: Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders

The Knight Riders are still trying to get themselves into the top half of the 10-team standings, while a win here will all but secure the Super Kings a berth in the play-offs. CSK are chasing a fifth IPL title and KKR a third.

Kolkata will go into this match in the wake of heavy defeat to the Rajasthan Royals. They continue to face criticism for sticking with West Indian duo Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. Their performances have been lacking. It will be interesting to see if they are retained for this match.

Chennai have a relatively dominant record at home. Kolkata will be hard pressed to beat CSK in Chepauk, where far more matches have been won than lost for the hosts. Conditions could play right into the hands of CSK's seamers in particular.

The Super Kings beat the Delhi Capitals at this ground a few days ago. They showed then why they have won four IPL titles and are looking good for a record-equaling fifth this season. Only Mumbai have more IPL titles than CSK at the moment.

Chennai and Kolkata's last five meetings have yielded four wins for wins for the former and just one for the latter. Perhaps KKR can tip the scales slightly less in CSK's favour this time.

Deepak Chahar's return from injury has been a big boost for the Super Kings. He is one of the best swing bowlers on display in this season's IPL and should enjoy the conditions on offer in Chepauk again.

Rinku Singh has been among the best finishers with the bat in the 2023 IPL. KKR might consider pushing him up the order. If not, well, his six-hitting ability will be on display through the closing throws.

The Chennai Super Kings will likely win and move to the top of the table. KKR have been solid in bursts, but lacked enough consistency to genuinely suggest they will beat the four-time champions.