Clash of the titans: Key battles when CSK take on KKR

#1 KKR Openers vs MS Dhoni

Power Duo- Dhoni will have to control the 2 pinch hitters to give CSK a chance

Both Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine have shown in the past that even if one of them is allowed to flourish in the opening overs, the job is half done for the Knight Riders. The prospect of both of them firing on all cylinders is a frightening one for Chennai Super Kings.

While the Chennai bowlers will square against the two, the real battle will be between the KKR openers and MS Dhoni. Dhoni will have to pull a trick or two to dismiss both Lynn and Narine early.

Narine's preference for spin is quite evident as was visible in the hammering he handed Washington Sundar and Chahal against RCB. However, he struggles against pace when he opens the innings. While opening the innings during a T20 game, Narine averages 15.93 against pace and 36 against spin- something to moot for Dhoni who might consider unleashing either Mark Wood or Lungi Ngidi on him, whoever starts for Chennai.

On the other hand, Lynn enjoys the ball coming on to the bat and it is the spinners who might stifle him better. MSD cannot allow any one of the two pinch hitters to walk away with the game. It will surely be a test of his wits.