One of the major hurdles for Kolkata Knight Riders in this edition of the IPL has been their lack of consistency. A comprehensive victory has always been followed by a morale-shattering loss which has left them in a delicate situation with 12 points from as many games.

With two matches remaining in their league phase, fifth-placed KKR will need to win at least one of them to remain in contention for the playoffs berth. But with a net run-rate of -0.479 — only Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, the bottom two teams, have a worse run-rate — they’ll probably need to win two out of two to give themselves a proper chance.

First up will be the Super Kings, whom they take on in Dubai on Thursday. Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men have nothing to lose — they are playing for pride as they are already out of contention — and could prove to be dangerous as was evident in their last match against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

If CSK players continue to play with freedom, it could spell trouble for the Knight Riders, who have buckled under pressure. Don’t forget the likes of Faf du Plessis and Ambati Rayudu, not to mention young Ruturaj Gaikwad, who will be keen to prove their worth with an eye on IPL 2021.

KKR’s problems lie in their extreme slow-paced scoring in the PowerPlay overs. KKR are the only side this season who haven’t had a 50-plus opening stand, and one of only two teams to lose at least one wicket in the first six overs in every game so far.

Shubman Gill showed a lot of intent in their last game against Kings XI Punjab, though in a losing cause, but that should be good news for them in these desperate times.

A knee injury has kept Andre Russell out of their last three games, and it’s not clear whether he will be available on Thursday. But his pulling out from the upcoming Lanka Premier League suggests he hasn’t and that won’t be very encouraging for Eoin Morgan’s side.

It will mean Morgan having to take more responsibility since the top-order has proven to be fragile. The team management could do well by getting Dinesh Karthik to bat lower down the order.

The former Knight Riders captain has batted at No.4 in their last two games, but he’s more adept in a role close to the death overs. If the KKR top-three can provide a strong start, Sunil Narine could be a viable option at No.4 since the all-rounder has used the long handle to good effect, especially against the spinners.

KKR’s bowling has fared better than their batting with Pat Cummins, Lockie Ferguson and Varun Chakravarthy proving to be disciplined with a probing line. But it is their batting which will need to click if they are to harbour hopes of making the playoffs.

The CSK bowlers choked a strong RCB batting unit, which should make the KKR batsmen cautious in their approach.

However, for the first time since 2008, CSK spinners have picked less than 25 wickets in a season. Their tally of 15 this year is the worst among the eight teams.

For CSK, any win would be welcome as they endured a forgettable season which is just about to wind down.

Today’s match

• Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Dubai (7.30pm IST)