IPL 2023: 3 Players Who Will Be Crucial for Kolkata Knight Riders to Win CSK vs KKR Match No. 61

IPL 2023: The two-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders have been virtually disqualified. They have lost seven of the 12 games played this season and are sitting in the second half of the table. Though, mathematically, anything is possible. But it is too late for them to bounce back in the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League. But still, they can end the season on a high note.

KKR will lock horns with the four-time champion Chennai Super Kings in their next game. This match will take place in the evening on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. KKR lost the last game they played against CSK and have a great chance to beat them at home. However, it will not be that easy as Chennai is on the roll. Here, we will talk about three important players for Kolkata in CSK vs KKR Match No. 61.

IPL 2023: 3 Key Players for Kolkata Knight Riders in CSK vs KKR Match No. 61

3. Jason Roy

Jason Roy will be a big wicket at the top for the KKR. He is in good touch and can certainly put pressure on Chennai. CSK are picking up wickets in the powerplay, but if Roy stays for a while, he can be the game-changer Kolkata wants. The English opener has shown some good signs of form in the IPL 2023.

He has scored 228 runs so far in just six innings at an average and strike rate of 38 and 157.24, respectively. Roy got out early in the last game, and KKR struggled. That is the impact he has had in the batting department. A player of his stature brings a lot to the team, and he will be a big man to watch out for for the Knight Riders.

2. Venkatesh Iyer

The all-rounder has been the best batter for the two-time champions this season. Venkatesh Iyer was the lone survivor even in the last game against the Rajasthan Royals. It was his fighting half-century that helped the team reach their respective score of 149. He scored 57 off 42 in that game. Iyer is in form and will be a vital player in the middle order.

With some runs under his belt, he will look to end the season on a high note. Iyer has scored 371 runs in 12 innings at an average of 30.92 and a strike rate of 143.82. The left-hander has also scored one century and two half-centuries this season. He is good against spin, and his long reach makes him a dangerous batter to bowl to.

1. Andre Russell

Andre Russell is an “X” factor in the KKR line-up. The big West Indian hasn’t performed as expected this season. But with the team already out of the competition, he can play with a bit more freedom. Russell will look to take on the bowlers and play the way he is famous for. Without a doubt, he will be the biggest threat for the CSK bowlers.

If they can get him out, then it is better; otherwise, he will not let Chennai run away with the game. Russell has scored 218 runs at an average and strike rate of 21.80 and 150.34, respectively. On the other hand, he has also taken seven wickets with the ball. Thus, his all-round skills are too valuable for KKR. He will look to make a big impact on the game.