TGIF: KKR spinners vs Dhoni Magic

Dubai, October 14

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s astute captaincy will be Chennai Super Kings’ biggest weapon against a clinical Kolkata Knight Riders outfit whose three top-notch spinners are expected to play a key role in the high-octane IPL final here tomorrow.

If numbers are anything to go by, then CSK, in their ninth final appearance in 12 editions (they did not participate in two seasons due to suspension), are certain to start favourites against KKR on Dasehra. However, in terms of trophies, there isn’t much difference between the two teams: CSK have three titles with five final defeats while KKR won both their finals under Gautam Gambhir.

On Friday, CSK’s chances of winning a fourth title will depend on how well they handle the 12 overs from KKR’s spin trio of Varun Chakravarthy (economy rate 6.40), Shakib Al Hasan (6.64) and Sunil Narine (6.44), who have been outstanding in this tournament.

However, the final comes with its own pressure and how these three perform when put under the pump will be the key against a team of battle-hardened , ‘been there, done that’ professionals. — PTI