With 229 to chase, Kolkata Knight Riders stuck to go with Narine at the start. At Sharjah, Kolkata had the best opportunity to bring someone other at the top along with Shubman Gill. As Narine failed thrice, it was nothing of any hesitation. A slow start and a quick wicket were capitalized by Delhi. I am not to comment on KKR’s conceiving 228 runs, as there was nothing on the wicket against the short outfield. But Karthik should have gone with more pace in the first six. Chennai had problem with the opening and low run rate in the powerplay. It was the lack of escalation that made Chennai Super Kings get satisfied with a close contest. They comprehensively overcame such shortcomings last evening.

In an on-field contest, Karthik has to lead well, as Dhoni can create magic only with his leadership. In the last game, his sharp captaincy pushed Kings XI Punjab back to 178 from a probable 195. Having a better bowling unit than Chennai, KKR are ready to challenge CSK at Abu Dhabi. With the inclusion of Dwane Bravo, Chennai, somehow, have found a balance in the playing XI. We expect a good game today.

I think KKR will go with Tripathi or Nitish Rana to open the innings with Gill, if McCullum’s busy pen can solve the problem. Eoin Morgan is in form and he should be moved up the order. Russell is yet to get on track. But he should come to the crease before Karthik, as he is absolutely out of form. Sunil Narine in the lower middle order and Cummins in the lower order can be a perfect change for Knight Riders.

Faf du Plessis is in great touch. He is trying to stay on the wicket, rotating strike well and getting set on the crease. And after that, a number of glorious shots are coming out of his bat. Finally, he is getting dangerous and taking the game away from you. Watson got back to his rhythm. But he should be aware of KKR’s slow turners. Ambati Rayadu has been one of the greatest IPL players since long. Dhoni and Jadeja have a great understanding between them and their knocks didn’t come to effect except keeping the net run rate at a secure position. Chennai’s lower middle order is yet to be tested.

I think Chennai didn’t have a great bowling unit like batting they have. It’s M.S who is using his bowlers best. Chahar maintained his length well and he is a champion on a slow surface. Piyush Chawla and Shardul Thakur will make playing XI. Jadeja and Bravo have enough experience and they have sweet memories under Dhoni.

Kolkata have a fantastic bowling line up. Pat Cummins should bowl three overs at a stretch in the powerplay. Varun Chakravarthy may be useful against Shane Watson. If Sunil Narine makes playing XI and still fails to get to his rhythm, Russell must be allowed to bowl more than two. Mavi and Nagarkoti are doing well, if Sharjah game counts for nothing.

Here at Abu Dhabi, the wicket is getting slow in the second half. I think, to bat first will not be a bad decision. But for today’s match, it may be different. If CSK win the toss, they must chase, as they have a fantastic batting unit while chasing. On the other hand, KKR have a bowling unit which can take pressure and defend an average target. Kolkata may go for batting first on winning the toss.