Adda Notes: Chennai’s superior head-to-head record vs Kolkata gives them an edge

After securing back-to-back wins, Chennai would look to extend their winning streak when they take on a struggling Kolkata outfit in the Indian T20 League 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, April 21.

While the three-time champions Chennai had lost to Delhi in their opening encounter, the MS Dhoni-led franchise made a great comeback as they defeated Punjab and Rajasthan in their last two matches to move to second place in the points table.

Kolkata, on the other hand, have made an inconsistent start to their Indian T20 League campaign this season. While Eoin Morgan’s Kolkata defeated Hyderabad in their first match, the franchise suffered consecutive defeats against Mumbai and Bangalore to slip to the fifth spot in the standings.

In the Kolkata vs Chennai head-to-head record in the Indian T20 League, MS Dhoni’s side has a clear edge as they have won 14 of the 22 matches played between these two sides.

Additionally, Chennai have a decent record playing at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The three-time champions have won 9 of their 17 matches (52.94%) at this venue. 

On the contrary, the two-time winners Kolkata have a dismal record at the Wankhede. The franchise has won just 11.11% of their matches - securing just a solitary win in 9 encounters.

Furthermore, Chennai have won three of their last five matches against Kolkata in the Indian T20 League.

In the batting department, Kolkata will bank on their former captain Dinesh Karthik to come good against Chennai on Wednesday. Karthik has a decent record against MS Dhoni’s side, amassing 512 runs in 23 innings at a strike rate of 126.1.

On the other hand, Chennai will depend on their all-time leading run-scorer Suresh Raina to play another match-winning innings against the two-time champions. Raina has scored 818 runs in 24 matches against Kolkata, with eight fifties to his name. 

As far as bowling is concerned, Kolkata off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has a decent record against his former side. The 40-year-old has claimed 24 wickets in 21 innings at an economy of 6.55 against Chennai.

For Chennai, West Indies medium-pacer Dwayne Bravo is expected to play an important role against Kolkata at Wankhede. Bravo has scalped 17 wickets against Kolkata at an average of 28.64.

Chennai will start as favourites against Kolkata due to their head-to-head record and their oppositions’ poor track record in Mumbai.