The New Year Derby: CSK and KKR fight to avoid a festive hangover

Timing in cricket is everything, and the schedule-makers have served up a poetic backdrop for Tuesday's clash at Chepauk. As the city of Chennai celebrates Tamil New Year (Puthandu), the visiting Kolkata Knight Riders stand on the doorstep of Poila Baisakh. But for one of these powerhouse franchises, the festivities are destined to end in a sporting hangover.

While the yellow-clad faithful hope the New Year brings a change in fortune for the Chennai Super Kings, KKR risk waking up to their own celebrations on Wednesday morning nursing the sting of defeat. With the stands packed and the stakes soaring, only one side will carry the festive spirit into the night.

Kolkata Knight Riders have been a believable team in this edition of the Indian Premier League. They have played a level of cricket that is from this world. And their fans believe that they are stoppable on most days.