IPL 2021: Predicting Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Playing XI
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a dismal IPL 2020 season after they failed to make it to the playoffs for the first time in the franchise’s history. Led by MS Dhoni, Chennai could only manage to finish seventh in the league standings. However, there were some positive signs towards the end of the season, as the three time IPL champions did manage to win three consecutive matches to cap off a forgettable campaign.
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Chennai Super Kings snapped up six players in the auction that took place last month. Their biggest buys were Krishnappa Gowtham and Moeen Ali on whom they franchise spent Rs.9.25 cr and Rs. 7 cr respectively.
Full CSK Squad for IPL 2021
Chennai Super Kings Squad : MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, KM Asif, Deepak Chahar, Dwayne Bravo, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, N Jagadeesan, Karn Sharma, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shardul Thakur, Sam Curran, Josh Hazlewood, R Sai Kishore, Krishnappa Gowtham, Moeen Ali, Cheteshwar Pujara, K Bhagath Varma, C Hari Nishaanth and M Harisankar Reddy.
Probable CSK Playing XI for IPL 2021
Batsman
Faf du Plessis was CSK’s highest run getter last season
Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis is almost a certain starter for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The South African was the top scorer for his franchise last season, having scored 449 runs in 13 innings at an average of over 40. Additionally, du Plessis is a terrific fielder and he can win games for his side, by his sheer brilliance on field.
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad played a crucial part in Chennai Super Kings’ revival towards the end of the season. The opener scored three consecutive fifties and was awarded the player of the match in each of the last three fixtures for his side. This helped CSK finish with 12 points, finishing just two points behind fourth-placed, Royal Challengers Bangalore.
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Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina missed the last edition of the IPL due to his personal reasons. However, the left-hander is back for the 2021 season and will occupy his regular position at number three. He has been with CSK since the first edition of IPL in 2008, amassing 4,527 runs from 164 matches.
Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu had a decent IPL 2020 season, scoring 359 runs in his 12 innings at an average of 40. He will come in at number four for Chennai Super Kings, just like the previous season. Rayudu has been a part of four IPL winning campaigns, (three for Mumbai Indians and one for CSK) and is one of the most experienced batsman in the competition, having played 159 matches.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, captain of Chennai Super Kings will slot in at number five and will also take up the wicket-keeping duties. He was heavily criticized in the last edition of IPL, for his failure to pace his innings and accelerate when his team are chasing down a steep target. The three time IPL winning captain will surely look to bounce back this year.
All-rounders
Sam Curran was one of the top players for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2020
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is another sure starter in the CSK lineup. The left-hander has seen his stocks shoot up after resurgence in his batting form in the past two years. In 184 IPL matches, Jadeja has picked up 114 wickets and scored 2159 runs, making an all-round impact. Not to forget his inhuman abilities on the field, with his accurate direct hits from the boundary line.
Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo is one of the most prolific bowlers in IPL history. He is the fourth highest wicket taker in IPL, and the highest for his franchise. However, the West Indian all-rounder has bee hampered with injuries, losing his impact in the death overs. He played just six games for CSK last year, picking up as many wickets at a disappointing economy of 8.57. Nevertheless, he is Dhoni’s go-to man and is expected to earn a place in the team.
Sam Curran
Sam Curran was the pick of the players last season for Chennai Super Kings. He scored 186 runs for his side at a strike rate of over 130. It was the manner and impact his crucial little knocks created for CSK that mattered. With the ball, he was even more impressive, picking up 13 wickets in 14 outings.
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Krishnappa Gowtham
Krishnappa Gowtham is another all-rounder in the Chennai squad. He was purchased by the franchise at the auction for a whopping amount of Rs.9.25 cr, making him the highest paid uncapped player. Gowtham has the ability to end the innings with a flurry of runs with his hard hitting abilities and can be equally good option with the ball as well.
Bowlers
Deepak Chahar will continue to lead the attack for Chennai
Imran Tahir
MS Dhoni just loves to have more spinners in his team. Tahir who will turn 42 later this month, is still good enough to stake a claim in this Chennai side. He was the purple cap winner in the 2019 season and he the South African leg spinner will fight it out against the likes of Mitchell Santner and Karn Sharma for a place in the eleven.
Deepak Chahar
Just like most Chennai players, Deepak Chahar had a below average IPL 2020 campaign where he could just manage 12 wickets in his 14 outings. However, Dhoni places a lot of faith in Chahar and he is expected to hand him the new ball for the 2021 season as well.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Playing XI: Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Sam Curran, Krishnappa Gowtham, Imran Tahir, Deepak Chahar