IPL 2021 Final: Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders Betting Tips

IPL 2021 Final: Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders – Preview and Prediction. Every match of the IPL we will provide betting tips. Also, have a listen to the Bet Central Podcast below.

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Betting Preview

After two phases, seven venues, two countries, underlying COVID issues, and 59 matches, we have our two finalists for the Indian Premier League 2021 campaign. Chennai Super Kings will be gunning for a fourth title while Kolkata Knight Riders will be hoping for a third in their first final since 2014.

After a disastrous 2020 campaign where they finished out of the playoff spots for the first time, Chennai rebooted strongly to make it to their ninth IPL final, a tournament record. The delight of seeing a vintage MS Dhoni special (18* off 6, 3×4 1×6) leading them to a four-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in Qualifier 1 shouldn’t mask CSK’s recent shortcomings. That victory followed a run of three straight losses with the Yellow Army struggling to assert their usual dominance.

Come the final, we could witness a different CSK as they look to clinch more silverware with Dad’s Army. Ironically, it is the 24-year-old youngster of the squad Ruturaj Gaikwad who has been leading their charge with 603 runs this season, which puts him just 24 runs away from claiming the ‘Orange Cap’.

One of the reasons for the Super Kings’ resurgence this season is the partnership of Gaikwad and du Plessis, whose 1150 runs together is the most by an opening pair this season. Knight Riders need to find a way to disturb this with du Plessis having gone at 137.2 in the powerplay so far this season.

The former Proteas captain has a strong record against KKR, averaging a shade under 40 and striking at 129. Gaikwad, however, has taken 176 runs off them in just three knocks.

When KKR arrived in the UAE, they had just four points from seven games and were seventh in the standings. The turnaround was swift as the Knight Riders stormed the UAE leg with flair by winning seven of their nine matches. That included a nerve-wracking three-wicket win over Delhi in Qualifier 2 where Eoin Morgan’s side saw a collapse of 7/5 in just under four overs. All the tension of Wednesday’s action only adds to the charm, as KKR became the second side to reach the IPL final since 2011 after finishing fourth in the regular season after Chennai did so in 2012.

This final will be a repeat of the 2012 edition when KKR snapped CSK’s run of two straight titles, but the Purple and Gold brigade have lost both matches against CSK this season. That includes a last-ball thriller in Abu Dhabi where Kolkata lost their sixth game off the final ball when defending a target, an unwanted tournament record.

CSK have played more games in Dubai than KKR. As the pitch may not be as slow as the one KKR flourished on in Sharjah, their spinners may not be as effective. Hence, the better batting conditions could favour the Men in Yellow. However, the last eight matches at this venue were won by the chasing team so you’d have to back the team that bats second to be crowned as IPL 2021 champions.

Stat Attack

The last eight matches at this venue were won by the chasing team.

Seven of the last nine matches between Chennai and Kolkata saw the Super Kings post a higher powerplay score.

CSK have won 10 out of 11 matches against KKR when bowing first.

CSK have conceded 50 or more in the powerplay in six of their last seven matches.

Gaikwad has six Player of the Match awards in UAE, the most for any player in the competition.

Venkatesh Iyer (x2) or Shubman Gill (x3) have top-scored for KKR in their last five matches.

Eight of the last 12 IPL finals were won by the team batting first.

Players To Watch

A lot of eyebrows were raised when CSK dropped Suresh Raina in favour of Robin Uthappa for the first qualifier. The stylish right-hander rolled back the clock and scored a scintillating 63 off just 44 balls to answer all the critics. Will the former KKR boy prove to be Chennai’s golden boy in the final?

It won’t be straightforward for Chennai as they tackle mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who has been a revelation. In nine UAE matches, he hasn’t gone for more than 26 runs and has picked up 11 wickets.

Best Bets

Suggested Bet: CSK to win 1.90

Suggested Bet: F du Plessis to be CSK’s top batsman 3.25

Suggested Bet: V Iyer to be KKR’s top batman 4.35

Suggested Bet: CSK to have the highest opening partnership 1.76