The Chennai Super Kings team led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni will try to make a strong comeback this time by forgetting last year’s nightmare. Three-time champion CSK failed to make it to the playoffs in the 2020 tournament played in the United Arab Emirates. It was the first time in the history of the tournament when Dhoni’s team could not make it to the playoffs. The first match of Chennai will be held on April 10 against Delhi Capitals.
Let’s take a look at CSK’s strong playing XI this year:
Openers: Last season, 24-year-old Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 204 runs in 6 matches at an average of 51. He has also scored three half-centuries. This batsman can open with veteran player Faf du Plessis. At the same time, the team has also added Robin Uthappa, who has expressed his desire to play in the top order. Recently, Uthappa has done well in both the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Dhoni also has the option of Sam Curran, who scored an innings of 95 runs in the last ODI against India. Apart from this, Chennai has also included Cheteshwar Pujara in the team. If he gets a chance to play, he might probably do the opening.
Middle order: Chennai’s middle order will be strengthened with the arrival of Suresh Raina. He has scored 5368 runs in 193 matches at a striker rate of 137. Raina can bat at his favorite place number three. After this, Mahendra Singh Dhoni himself can descend to number four. The team also has Ambati Rayudu who is very experienced.
All-rounders: CSK is full of all-rounders. The team has players like Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur and Dwayne Bravo in fast bowling who can hit big shots. Apart from this, the spin all-rounder they have option of Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner and Krishnappa Gowtham. Gowtham has been bought by CSK for Rs 9.25 crores. Sam Curran’s form and Bravo’s experience, they are set to play. With Ravindra Jadeja, either Moeen Ali or Gowtham will get a chance.
Bowler: CSK has Deepak Chahar. After the departure of Josh Hazlewood, now the South African player Lungi Ngidi can take charge of bowling. In leg-spinner, the team has the option of Imran Tahir and Karn Sharma. Last season, Sharma took 5 wickets in five matches while Tahir got just one wicket in three matches.
Chennai Super Kings’ best Playing Xl:
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (captain and wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Dwayne Bravo, Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur.
