IPL 2021 final: Michael Vaughan predicts one BIG change in KKR line-up ahead of CSK face-off

Ahead of the marquee IPL 2021 finale between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), former England captain Michael Vaughan feels the two-time winners KKR franchise might make a big change in their line-up. KKR have entered their third IPL final after beating Delhi Capitals (DC) by three wickets in Qualifier 2 and will now face the MS Dhoni-led CSK,at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on October 15 (Friday).

While the Andre Russell-less KKR line-up have done exceedingly well to turn their campaign around and beat DC in the Qualifier 2, without their West Indian all-rounder, they will be eager to regain Russell's services in the IPL 14 finale. For the unversed, Russell has a knack of performing well versus the Yellow Army. The all-rounder returned with a wicket and a quickfire 22-ball 54 in the first face-off between both sides this season, in Mumbai.

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Hence, Russell's fitness will be closely monitored by the Kolkata camp. If fit, Vaughan believes that Morgan -- who has done nothing significant with the bat and has four ducks in IPL 14 -- might leave himself out in order to accommodate Russell.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, the Englishman said, "They have to make a call on the pitch because when they played at Sharjah, they got used to the pitch, knew the conditions, and stuck with the team. Dubai might be a different proposition, it might be a different surface. If Andre Russell can bowl four overs, they may turn to change Shakib."

He further added, "You know, they may think that a left-arm spinner (won't be required). Again, we'll talk about Eoin Morgan (chuckles). I personally wouldn't drop him, but do not be surprised if he drops himself) because I just know the character that he is. He will do what he feels is best for the team. I think he's a massive player, and adds 25 runs of value with his tactics, maybe more with his man-management of those younger players that we talk about. So I would certainly play him, but don't rule it out with Eoin Morgan because he's that kind of personality."

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For the unversed, KKR have never lost an IPL final. They won the 2012 and 2014 editions. However, they face a resilient CSK line-up, who have a 3-0 winning streak versus Kolkata. All in all, a mouth-watering contest is awaited at Dubai on Friday evening.

Will KKR claim their third title or CSK will walk away with their fourth IPL championship? Only time will tell...