Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will look to avoid a hat trick of home defeats in the ongoing IPL 2025 as they host defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.

After losing four consecutive matches CSK is placed at the ninth position in the points table with only 2 points. Meanwhile, the defending champions KKR also lost three of the five matches they played and is currently lagging at the sixth spot with 4 points in their kitty.

Historically, CSK have the upper hand against KKR. Both the teams have faced each other 29 times in the IPL to date, with CSK winning 19 matches and KKR securing 10 wins. Moreover, CSK have won 7 out of 12 encounters against KKR at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Key Players

For CSK, Rachin Ravindra has been a standout performer, amassing 145 runs at a strike rate of 133, making him the team's leading scorer this season. Among the bowlers, Noor Ahmad has been outstanding, as he is leading the race for the purple cap with 11 wickets. 

Must Read: IPL 2025: Will CSK replace injured Ruturaj Gaikwad with Prithvi Shaw?

On the other hand, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane is the highest scorer with 184 runs with a strike rate of 160. Sunil Narine could also become crucial in the early overs on the spin-friendly pitch of MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Match Prediction

Considering the spin-friendly conditions and CSK's familiarity with the Chepauk pitch, they might have a slight advantage. CSK have come back full circle once again in the IPL. For the second time, MS Dhoni has been forced to return as the captain of the franchise, amidst dwindling form. CSK might bounce back under the inspiring captaincy of the 'Captain Cool'.

However, KKR's potent spin attacks, mainly Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, are capable of exploiting CSK's vulnerabilities.