IPL 2018, CSK vs KKR: 5 players to watch out for

Though we are still in the early stages of the IPL 11, we've already had quite a few things to talk about. A resilient counter-attack from Dwayne Bravo during the curtain-raiser match, a sensational performance from a lesser-known player, Mayank Markande, against the experienced Chennai batting line-up, a record-breaking 14-ball fifty from KL Rahul; we have witnessed quite a lot already.

After winning the first game with a narrow one-wicket margin, the mighty Chennai Super Kings will next take on Kolkata Knight Riders at MA Chidambaram stadium. KKR too started their season with a comfortable 4-wicket victory against RCB.

Both sides have a bunch of star players, who are capable of changing the context of a game. Here we take a look at the five such performers...

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#5 Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina

The left-hander was dismissed very cheaply on a single digit score during the season opener against Mumbai. The southpaw has been the most consistent player in the Indian Premier League over the years, though, and expect him to come good soon. After that forgettable first match, he'll be raring to go and deliver a statement on the pitch.

Raina has been very good against Sunil Narine in the previous editions of the IPL. His record -- 84 runs off the 58 balls -- against Narine is something many batsmen will envy. One more critical point is that Raina has never lost his wicket to Narine.

An interesting battle to watch out for...

#4 Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik

KKR captain Dinesh Karthik came into the tournament on a high after that breath-taking knock against Bangladesh during the final of the recently concluded Nidahas Trophy. Karthik played a measured innings of 35 from 29 balls to take his side home against RCB as well and is there fore in a rich vein of form.

As CSK have very good death-bowlers in the form of Bravo and Watson, it will be a fascinating battle to watch Karthik face them if he is settled and plays during the final overs.

His ability to handle pressure and his stroke-making make him a player to watch out for in the clash against CSK.

#3 Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine

The trump card of KKR, Sunil Narine, proved once again to the world that he's not a mug with the bat. The mystery off-spinner from West Indies tonked RCB all over the park to register his second 17-ball fifty of the tournament on Sunday.

CSK's middle-order was shaky during their opener against MI and Narine will want to take advantage of that with his variations. And given his ability to stem the flow of the runs during the middle overs, he will be a key player against Chennai.

#2 Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa

One of the mainstays of the KKR's batting line-up, Robin Uthappa, would have liked to score more during the first game. He mustered a 13-ball 12 during KKR's first match against RCB. The highest run-getter of IPL 7 will definitely want to make an impression during their cucoming clash against CSK.

The Karnataka batsman scored 388 runs in 14 matches at an average of nearly 30 and a strike rate of 165 last season. His ability to hit a purple patch quickly will make him a game-changer.

#1 Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo

The two-time purple cap holder, Dwayne Bravo wowed the cricketing world with his innings against the defending champions Mumbai Indians during the season opener on Saturday.

The highest wicket-taker(413) in the history of T20s is a complete package to have for any captain. He can be a match-winner with the bat, he can be canny and deceptive with his subtle variations especially at the death and he regularly gives his everything on the field.

The all-rounder will look to repeat what he achieved during the opening game of the season.