Chennai Super Kings will kickstart the second phase of IPL 2021 against Mumbai Indians on September 19th. The three-time winners are placed second on the point’s table with five wins in seven games. That said, the franchise did not have a great outing in the UAE in IPL 2020. Nevertheless, the franchise has its full squad and hence, they will look to carry on the momentum from India. In this article, we take a look at the strongest possible playing XI for CSK in the UAE.
Openers: Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad
Having scored 320 runs in seven games, Faf du Plessis is in top form and will retain his place in the XI. He also performed well in the UAE last year and has recently hit a century in CPL. Hence, CSK’s chances will depend a lot on the South African’s form.
In the back end of IPL 2020, Ruturaj Gaikwad enjoyed a few good outings in the UAE. Although he struggled at the start of IPL 2021, with two half-centuries, he seems to be back to form. He also made his India debut a few weeks ago. CSK also has the likes of N Jagadeesan and Robin Uthappa, who can replace if any of the openers are not firing.
Middle-Order: Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni (C&WK)
The depth in the batting unit helped CSK in the first phase. The franchise has not lost any players and hence, they will retain this strength in the UAE. The middle-order of the playing XI for CSK in the UAE will wear a similar look like that in India.
While Moeen Ali will play at No.3, Suresh Raina will operate at No.4. Raina did not play in the UAE last year and hence, it will be interesting to see how he goes about. That said, he is a fine player of spin and the pitches of the UAE could suit his strengths.
Ambati Rayudu hit 72 runs in 27 balls in the final game for the team in the first phase. He will retain his place in the XI. MS Dhoni has looked off-colour, but he just needs to spend some time at the crease to regain his form.
All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran
Jadeja batted at a strike rate of 161 in India. He will assume a higher batting responsibility and is likely to play above MS Dhoni. Jaddu’s bowling skills are also required for CSK, especially on the dry wickets at the UAE.
Sam Curran delivered as a floater for CSK in the UAE. He continued to impress in the role in IPL 2021. Hence, the Englishman is likely to be preferred ahead of Dwayne Bravo in the playing XI for CSK in the UAE.
Bowlers: Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar and Imran Tahir
While Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar are known to impress with the ball, their recent showings with the bat will be a massive advantage for CSK. This freedom will allow CSK to go hard right from the first over with less fear of losing wickets. Shardul and Deepak, though, will still have to be at the top of their game with the ball.
Imran Tahir hardly got game time in IPL 2020. However, Suresh Raina has returned to the squad, and hence, CSK can afford to field a specialist overseas bowler. The veteran leg-spinner is likely to be part of the first encounter against Mumbai Indians.
