CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad CHENNAI: Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have eight IPL titles between them but for now it is a battle of the backbenches. While CSK are languishing in ninth place with just two points, KKR have just one point, thanks to their elimination against Punjab Kings.It is a must-win game for both the teams at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday. The team that loses will feel that a fourth place finish is probably out of their reach going forward.
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CSK is organizing a fan engagement event in Chepauk ahead of IPL 2026 However, there are faint but growing signs of a turnaround for CSK. Despite three losses, CSK’s ability to consistently cross the 200-run mark secured the silver medal. With the return of Dewald Brevis adding fresh intent, Sanju Samson finding his rhythm and Jamie Overton attacking hard lengths, things are suddenly looking a little brighter for Ruturaj Gaikwad and Co. as they look to turn the corner and go up.On the other hand, nothing has clicked so far this season for the sluggish KKR led by Ajinkya Rahane. While the bowling looked pedestrian, the bigger concern was the explosive middle order – with Cameron Green, Rinku Singh and Rovman Powell – constantly erring. From failing to defend 220 in their opening match to losing a game in their control against the Super Giants, KKR don’t seem to have a clue how to stop the rot.Their opener Finn Allen, who was in excellent touch at the T20 World Cup in New Zealand, has failed in the IPL. Brushing it off like morning rust, he remained unconcerned.“It’s the nature of T20 cricket. There’s only been a few matches and I don’t think you can judge too much from those matches. I had good starts in the first two matches and of course I’d like to kick more. But I think we’ve done all the right things in terms of preparation, we’re waiting for it to click. If we say we win the game against Chennai and our season can be anything.“Playable Varun”One of the biggest reasons for KKR’s problems has been the extraordinary form of mystery spinner C Varun. Add to that the hand injury he suffered in the second game that forced him to miss the next two games. However, now the KKR management has stated that Varun has been cleared by the medical team for the match. He was spotted training at the MAC ‘B’ nets on Monday with his left hand still taped up.However, the question remains whether the Chennai native, who has been struggling with a slump in form, will feature in the playing XI.
