CSK look to iron out chinks

Assured of a berth in the play-offs, Chennai Super Kings would be aiming to quickly get over the shock loss against Kolkata Knight Riders when they take on an unpredictable Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL match here on Thursday.

Chennai are currently second on the table with 16 points from eight wins and four losses in 12 matches. Hyderabad, on the other hand, are third from bottom with 10 points after managing just five wins in their 12 games.

It was a rare off day for Chennai when they succumbed to a loss against KKR on Tuesday night in Kolkata. The unexpected defeat was the result of some poor batting and Chennai would look to ensure that the batting line-up is high on confidence ahead of the knock-out stage matches.

Openers Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum, both of whom have contributed well to CSK’s campaign so far, failed to get going and would be aiming to make amends.

On a positive note, Suresh Raina pulled off his third fifty of this IPL season and looks to be peaking at just the right time. Faf du Plessis, however, remains a slight concern as he is yet to come up with a noteworthy knock for his side.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, on the other hand, has been going about his job without much hullabaloo even though he is without a fifty this season. Despite the absence of a big knock, Dhoni is averaging 44.60 -- the best by a Chennai player in this IPL -- and his tally of runs reads 223 in 12 innings, including seven unbeaten knocks.

On the bowling front, some of Chennai’s frailties stood exposed after reliable pacer Mohit Sharma failed to fetch a wicket. Mohit has been the bowling star for Chennai this season, having taken 18 wickets at an impressive average of 15.22. He is currently second in the highest wicket-takers’ list in this season.