The two finalists from last season’s version of the tournament look to kick start their seasons after average starts.
In an exciting IPL clash defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders host last year’s beaten finalists and two-time winners, Chennai Super Kings.
Yet despite the billing of two supposed twenty20 titans, neither side has enjoyed the best of starts in the sixth version of the tournament.
Kolkata have fared worse than their league rivals, losing three of their opening five matches whilst the Super Kings have been defeated in two.
In fairness to Chennai it hasn’t been a terrible first five fixtures and they did hammer IPL whipping boys Delhi Daredevils by 86 runs on Thursday.
Australian batsman Mike Hussey has been the driving force for CSK, notching up 177 runs in four innings and showing that veterans can cut it with the young pretenders.
For KKR, captain Gautam Gambhir has been in outstanding form with the bat whilst Eoin Morgan has been receiving many plaudits for his efforts.
However, with all-rounder Jacques Kallis and Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum also in the top-order, the Knight Riders should be putting up more of a fight in their title defence.
West Indian all-rounder Sanil Narine also leads the most wickets and best bowling figures lists which further begs the question why Gambhir’s side haven’t been winning more matches.
Despite the apparent modest returns for these two franchises so far in 2013, this battle of two traditionally big sides in the IPL should still be a great watch.
View the live stream of Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings in the 2013 IPL here.
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