The Chennai Super Kings are currently playing their fifth match of IPL 2021 against the unbeaten Royal Challengers Bangalore. CSK would have wanted a full strength team for this game, but unfortunately, the franchise’s English all-rounder Moeen Ali was unavailable to play.
Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni informed at the toss that Moeen Ali was unfit, which was why the team had to make two changes. The Super Kings benched Lungi Ngidi as well, as they brought DJ Bravo and Imran Tahir back in the playing XI. Here’s what MS Dhoni said at the toss:
“Spinners may come more into play. You have to be critical of your length. Two changes – Moeen not fit, Ngidi out – Bravo and Tahir come in.”
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Moeen Ali’s injury could hurt the Chennai Super Kings’ chances of winning this match because he was in great form. The off-spin bowling all-rounder scored 133 runs and picked up four wickets in the four matches played for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021. He recorded his best figures of 3/7 in this season, while his highest score with the bat in IPL 2021 was 46. Notably, his strike rate was 152.87.
How the absence of Moeen Ali will impact the Chennai Super Kings
Moeen Ali was an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings lineup. He batted in the top-order and also gave some crucial overs with the ball. However, with Imran Tahir back in the playing XI, the bowling unit of the Chennai Super Kings will likely have the same impact.
As far as the batting unit is concerned, DJ Bravo may get a chance to bat higher up the order today. The Chennai Super Kings have sent Bravo very low. However, we could see some changes in the CSK batting lineup for the game against RCB due to Moeen Ali’s injury. It will be interesting to see which team comes out on top in this game.
