IPL 2021: Strongest Playing XI Of Chennai Super Kings
The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League is all set to commence on April 9 in India. Previously, the last season was hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the COVID-19 pandemic which ruled all around the globe.
Coming to the point, we are going to see the strongest playing XI of Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2021. The Dhoni-led side was outplayed by the opposition in the previous season as they had a lack of contribution from the middle-order batsmen and finished at the 7th position on the table.
But this time, the arrival of Suresh Raina and a few more will give enough strength to the line-up and can go through any best bowling alley with the likes of some hard-hitters coming down the order.
Dhoni and his army will look to give a comeback in this edition and would look to clinch the trophy for the fourth time in the history of IPL and will play their first match against Delhi Capitals on April 10. Let's take a look at the strongest playing of CSK.
Openers:
Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa was once a regular fixture in Rajasthan Royals in the previous season. He played all the matches for his side and scored 196 runs at an average of 16.33 and didn't hit a single fifty in the whole season.
Despite his poor show with the bat, CSK management traded the 35-year-old ahead of the IPL 2021. Now Robin Uthappa will be excited to don the yellow jersey along with MS Dhoni and co.
Faf du Plessis
The former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis is expected to open the innings along with the newly joined Robin Uthappa. He was the highest run-getter in the previous season who amassed 449 runs from 13 games at an average of around 41 with a strike-rate of well above 140s.
In addition to that, it was the best season for Plessis after playing 7 editions of the league. The yellow army will be looking for the fabulous show from the South African batsman in the upcoming edition of the league.
Middle-order:
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina is expected to bat at No.3 for CSK which is his regular position in the team. The 34-year-old didn't play the previous edition of the cash-rich contest due to some personal issues.
As a result, CSK had suffered to rise the run-rate in the middle overs and went on to lose the game on many occasions. But the arrival of Suresh Raina will give more confidence to Chennai as he has the ability to win games single-handedly for his team. The left-hander is the second-highest run-scorer in IPL who has scored 5368 runs that he played at an average of around 34.
Ambati Rayudu
Hailing from Andhra Pradesh Ambati Rayudu was once a regular fixture in the Mumbai Indians line-up. Later, he was bought by Chennai Super Kings in the IPL Auction.
The right-hander scored 359 runs in the previous season that he played at an average of around 40. Moreover, with the advent of Robin Uthappa in the side, Ambati Rayudu would have to do his duties in the middle-order for his team.
MS Dhoni (c & wk)
The skipper of the side, MS Dhoni is regarded as the best finisher of the modern era. When he is behind the stumps, most of the batsmen would not step out from the crease.
After back to back failures in the last edition, Dhoni will be looking to make a strong comeback in the league. Moreover, with his best friend Suresh Raina on the side the Ranchi born will take the charge in the middle and death overs which he had done so far.
All-rounders:
Moeen Ali
The English all-rounder Moeen Ali has been scalped by the Chennai Super Kings for INR 7 crores in the IPL Auction 2021. The left-handed batsman has the ability to bat at any position for his team.
He has played 19 games in the tournament and scored 309 runs with 10 wickets to his name. He can accelerate the run-flow in the middle overs and can do the late hitting if needed.
Ravindra Jadeja
One of the best fielders of modern-day cricket, Ravindra Jadeja has been out of action for more than three months. He is the go-through man for his skipper and can take wickets with his exceptional fielding skills.
Jadeja had a great outing in the last season as he amassed 232 runs at an average of 46.40 with an impressive strike-rate of well above 170 plus. However, he failed to contribute with the ball as he picked only 6 wickets in the league.
Dwayne Bravo
The flamboyant West Indies all-rounder is one of the most loved players in the world. Fans often love to watch his celebration after picking wickets and taking some spectacular catches on the field.
Moreover, he can destroy the likes of any best bowling line-up once he gets the ball under his eyes. He has the ability to contain runs in both powerplay and death overs and can give the breakthrough when the team needed from him.
Sam Curran
Another England all-rounder Sam Curran will be a must-have player for Dhoni ho is looking in good form with both the bat and the ball. In the 3rd ODI against India, the youngster scored 95 runs which helped his team to stick to the end of the game.
Unfortunately, his innings went in vain as India won the game and series. Sam Curran has the ability to get wickets for his skipper in the powerplay and middle overs.
Bowlers:
Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur is one of the regular names in the CSK's line-up. He can take wickets in crunch situations and can contribute with the bat as well.
Moreover, Dhoni will be happy if he gets to score runs by coming down the order for his team. He scalped 10 wickets in the last edition and would look to better in the upcoming edition of the league.
Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar is the other player who has the ability to bat in the middle and slog overs for his team. He bagged 12 wickets from his 14 outings in the last season and would look to grab more in the next season.
Deepak Chahar will be the leading pacer for MS Dhoni who can give the breakthrough at any time for his skipper. Let's see how he's going to perform in IPL 2021.