IPL-2023: Kolkata Knight Riders will lock horns with Chennai Super Kings at Eden Gardens, Kolkata

In IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders will lock horns with Chennai Super Kings at Eden Gardens, Kolkata at 07:30 pm.

A cloudy day in late April isn’t all that bad for Kolkata. But if not literally, at least poetically, the Nitish Rana-led side would hope for some sun and shine as they return to their home ground at the back of a three-match losing streak.

There are way too many pieces out of place for them right now, and a clash against an in-form and improving Chennai Super Kings next, on Sunday, could be nothing less than daunting.

Several experiments at the top order haven’t worked out well for them as yet. Jason Roy, who has come in as replacement for Shakib Al Hasan, did make an impression and could be persisted with. But the second slot is yet to find a taker. None of the three wicketkeeping options in the squad – N Jagadeeshan, Liton Das and Rahmanullah Gurbaz – has cemented their place

The problems with the batting are far deeper despite the good form of Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh. The batting unit hasn’t clicked in unison. The odd brilliance of Shardul Thakur and Rinku did win them a couple of games, but there is a need for more consistency – especially against the MS Dhoni-led side, where everyone is making contributions at critical times.

CSK did complicate what would have been a rather easy win against SRH on Friday, but their dominance is unmissable, especially with the way they are improving with each game. Their pace department – arguably their weakest link – is also developing strongly and playing an effective role.