The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be looking to regain their past glory in IPL 2023. Both teams had a dismal showing last season, finishing ninth and seventh in the standings. They will be eager for redemption in the upcoming season and to restore their pride.
The start of IPL 2023 is set to be an exciting one as the Gujarat Titans (GT) look to defend their title and take on the CSK, captained by MS Dhoni. On the other hand, KKR, being led by Nitish Rana while Shreyas Iyer recovers from a back injury, will face off against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mohali. While both teams have experienced success in the past, most notably the Super Kings winning the IPL four times and the Knight Riders bagging two trophies of their own, last year’s mega auction has left them with a lot of catching up to do.
Here we look at three similarities in their squads:
1) Lack of enough hitters against quality pace bowling
An analysis of the two teams’ batting lineups suggests they are more comfortable facing spin over pace. CSK boasts players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ambati Rayudu, and Moeen Ali while KKR have Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana, and Sunil Narine who are known to excel against spin bowling . But most of these batsmen struggle to face quality pace unless they are in a settled and confident state. As the new season approaches, how the two teams will strategize against the challenge of facing pace remains to be seen.
2) Both teams have a mystery spinner in their squad
Sunil Narine is renowned as an all-time great in IPL and T20 cricket competitions. With Varun Chakaravarthy accompanying him, the Knights have two X-factor bowling options that can render the pitch inconsequential. CSK also features the Sri Lankan mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana, who is unavailable for the first three games due to national obligations. Yet, there is still hope for him to be included in the lineup, especially when playing in the spinner-friendly MA Chidambaram Stadium.
3) Both teams lack a quality death bowler
KKR and CSK have been facing a persistent problem – the lack of a reliable death bowler. Last year, their weakness in this area was evident, and it seems like little needs to be done to remedy it. The Knight Riders have included Shardul Thakur and Lockie Ferguson for the 2023 IPL, but their performance at the death remains patchy. The Super Kings have recruited South African bowler Sisanda Magala, but he’s yet to make his mark on Indian cricket pitches.
