Batting power can lead Chennai to another victory over Kolkata

Kolkata v Chennai
Sky Sports Cricket, 3.30pm Thursday

No side have a better IPL record than Chennai and after being excluded for two years, the Super Kings are making up for lost time.

Twice champions and four times beaten finalists, Chennai have won six of their eight outings in this year's competition and could add to that tally when they face fellow powerhouses Kolkata.

Central to Chennai's success has been a powerpacked batting unit led by stalwart captain MS Dhoni. The former India skipper has pummeled 286 runs in eight knocks which have helped his side pass the 200-mark on three occasions already.

The freedom Dhoni expresses at the crease is helped by the fact that he has four quality batsman above him in the order who are also firing. Opener Shane Watson has a century to his name, South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis announced his arrival with a solid 33 against Delhi on Monday, while Suresh Raina has hit two unbeaten fifties and another knock of 46 in the tournament to date.

They left it late to chase down 202 when they met Kolkata earlier in the competition but the fact they were able to chase more than ten runs per over shows that with their batting prowess, any target is within reach.

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Chennai Super Kings
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