A struggling Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be aiming to break their losing streak when they face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. CSK are currently ninth in the standings with one win and four losses, while KKR are in sixth position with two wins and three defeats. The home team will be hoping to turn around their fortunes at Chepauk, which has not been as advantageous this season as it has been in the past. CSK will need to adapt to the changed conditions and rely on their spinners to perform well at a venue where they have traditionally dominated. Meanwhile, KKR will be looking to bounce back from a narrow loss to the Lucknow Super Giants and secure a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Fallen Fortress: CSK look to learn from Chepauk failures
With Mahendra Singh Dhoni being the same player and no one to "bell the cat", CSK are in unusual mess with a mis-firing top-order where the skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has had to give up his opening slot.
Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming said England player Moeen Ali has strengthened the team as he brings all-round value to it, which was missed in the last IPL season.
Ajinkya Rahane's tansformation impresses CSK coach
'They (MI) were confident, playing well and putting us under pressure. They were playing a nice brand of cricket even in our conditions...they have simply outplayed us'
Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming says the defending champions were undone by "high calibre" batting effort of the Gujarat Titans openers -- skipper Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan -- during their 35-run defeat in the IPL match in Ahmedabad on Friday.
The central theme of their discussion was 'desh ke liye karna hai', reflecting a mutual belief in serving the country.
CSK coach Stephen Fleming said the former champs are better prepared for this final.
Rahul Dravid has already informed the BCCI about his decision to step away from the role after the T20 World Cup.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has played a huge role in getting his players in the Chennai Super King camp to perform and they will miss the talismanic skipper once he hangs up his boots, says former England captain Eoin Morgan.
In the 10 matches this season, Jadeja has scored just 116 runs
Chennai Super Kings may struggle to capitalise on the home advantage during the IPL play-offs as they are still "not sure" of the conditions at the Chepauk, says head coach Stephen Fleming.
Chennai Super Kings might feel more 'at home' against an equally clueless Rajasthan Royals on a slow turner expected to be on offer in their next IPL game in Guwahati.
Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming took solace from finding the "right player" in Ruturaj Gaikwad as he dealt with the mixed emotions of notching up victories after being knocked out of the IPL play-offs contention.
Here are some of the big names who could be interested in applying for the post.
Dhoni came out to bat at number seven in Tuesday's match and took time to settle down before unleashing his powerful shots
CSK had some good news on the eve of the match with Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana being declared fit from a hamstring injury.
Faf du Plessis believes Mahendra Singh Dhoni, among others, helped him mature as a leader
Matheesha Pathirana returned to Sri Lanka to recover from a hamstring injury.
Test cricket will see two players featuring in their 100th game together for only the fourth time when India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and England batter Jonny Bairstow take the field in Dharamsala on Thursday.
'Our priority is getting Ben fit and ready to play, that's what we are concentrating on.'
Former Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni enjoyed his time ahead of the IPL opening match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai on Saturday.
If CSK fails to win Friday's match against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai, it could turn to be a historic new low for them. It could be the first time that CSK have lost three matches in a row at home.
CSK, led by India's 2011 World Cup-winning skipper Dhoni has found MI a hard nut to crack at their den and Fleming acknowledged the huge challenge his star-studded side faced.
'Sam was excellent for us in the first half and Bravo has come back now like the champion he is. He is back to his best and his bowling in the death overs has been outstanding.'
Curran hasn't played for England since he featured in a white-ball series against the West Indies in November last year and was recently overlooked for the side's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign
After his side suffered their first defeat at the hands of Rajasthan Royals in this edition of the Indian Premier League, Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming has admitted his team was thoroughly outplayed by a better opponent.
The electrifying atmosphere was a testament to the unwavering support of CSK's ardent followers.
'It was difficult two years for the franchise. The desire to get back to the competition was high. It was sustainable to keep winning throughout. The players were motivated (to win)'
Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming feels India's upcoming tour of Australia next month will determine how the defending champions' campaign pans out in the World Cup next year.
'We have almost got too many batting options at the moment, so that's why I say we were a little bit muddled with what we're sending out.'
Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is nursing a knee injury, which is hindering his movement somewhat, said head coach Stephen Fleming.
Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming lost his cool and lashed out at those questioning the thought process behind sending Kedar Jadhav ahead of Mahendra Singh Dhoni in their Indian Premier League match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, on Friday.
IMAGES from the IPL match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday
Semi-finalists six times. Runner-up in 2015. Rajneesh Gupta highlights important numbers for the New Zealand team from World Cups.
Rayudu later revealed that Dhoni called them both before the ceremony, emphasising the significance of the moment.
The CSK captain's vintage finishing act powered his side to a five wicket win, snapping a five match losing streak.
Brendon McCullum's inspirational captaincy has lifted New Zealand and the flamboyant batsman should continue leading the side in all three formats at least until next year's World Twenty20, former captain Stephen Fleming said.
Robbed off home advantage for the entire 2018 season, Chennai Super Kings will have to work hard in their adopted home venue in Pune to be a force to reckon with in the ongoing Indian Premier League, says the team's head coach Stephen Fleming.
