New Delhi: The stage is set for match 22 of the ongoing 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), as the Chennai Super Kings prepare to face the Kolkata Knight Riders at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 14. Both teams are in urgent need of victory.
Chennai Super Kings have managed to secure one win in four matches, placing them ninth in the standings with two points. In contrast, the Kolkata Knight Riders are still looking for their first win of the tournament and currently sit at the bottom of the table, having earned only one point due to a rain-affected match.
A focal point of this match will be star batter Sanju Samson, who is coming off a century. Kolkata Knight Riders are likely to strategize on how to dismiss Samson early, and former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has suggested that they may have a plan involving bowler Sunil Narine.
“Samson has been dismissed three times by Sunil Narine. He has faced about 80 balls from him, with a strike rate of only around 80,” Pathan noted in a video on his YouTube channel. “Against Narine, it will be crucial for Kolkata to introduce him into the attack early against Samson and observe how Samson counters him. On this pitch at Chepauk, the bounce allows batters to play more comfortably off the back foot without needing to come forward often.”
Chennai Super Kings are coming off a confidence-boosting victory in their previous match and will aim to capitalize on Kolkata Knight Riders’ current form. A win for the five-time champions could significantly boost their standing in the tournament.
On the other hand, the Kolkata Knight Riders are still seeking their first victory of the season. With only one point on the board, thanks to a rain-induced no-result, it will be interesting to see how they perform against Chennai.
