Ambati Rayudu picks all-time combined MI-CSK Playing XI, includes himself as Impact Player

Former MI and CSK batter Ambati Rayudu has picked his all-time combined MI-CSK Playing XI ahead of the big game between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians at Chepauk. The team comprises of a no. of legendary players who have represented both the teams over the years.

The team consists of six players who from Mumbai Indians while five players are from Chennai Super Kings. While Ambati Rayudu picked the best Playing XI consisting of players from both the teams, he decided to pick himself as the Impact Player.

Rayudu is one of those few players who has represented both franchises and has been a part of their several title-winning runs. Apart from him, Dwayne Bravo and Harbhajan Singh are the other two players.

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Ambati Rayudu picks all-time combined MI-CSK Playing XI

From the man who donned both 💛 & 💙

How does Ambati Rayudu's all-time MI-CSK combined XI look as we gear up for the biggest rivalry? 🔥#IPLonJioStar 👉 #CSKvMI, TODAY, 6:30 PM | LIVE on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar | #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/T0umkNqatd

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 23, 2025

In a video uploaded by Star Sports, Ambati Rayudu named his best MI-CSK Playing XI. The team has the great Sachin Tendulkar opening the batting alongside captain Rohit Sharma, who has led MI to a record five IPL titles.

The middle order looks absolutely solid with the legends like Suresh Raina, Suryakumar Yadav, and Kieron Pollard. Raina was CSK's lynchpin when the side won the IPL title in 2010 and 2011. He was also a part of CSK's 2018-title winning team.

Suryakumar Yadav has emerged as one of the greatest T20 batters of all time while playing for Mumbai Indians. He will play for Mumbai in IPL 2025 and will lead the team in their first match against CSK.

Meanwhile, Kieron Pollard has been a key part of all of Mumbai's IPL wins over the years. The big-hitting West Indian has made valuable contributions with the bat and also in the field. He is a big-match player who loves performing when it matters the most.

Strong lower order

Ambati Rayudu picked a powerful lower order with the likes of MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Dwayne Bravo. Dhoni is a must in this line-up as his records speak of his overall success.

Not only is Dhoni one of the greatest finishers, but he is also the joint-most successful IPL captain having led CSK to five title wins. Allrounder Ravindra Jadeja provides balance to this team with his overall skills. He can contribute with the bat, ball, and also in the field.

Dwayne Bravo is a great addition to this team as he is a capable hitter lower down the order. Bravo is also a quality death bowler and has the experience of bowling tough overs in the past.

Lethal bowling attack

The bowling attack looks lethal with Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah being the two frontline pacers, and Harbhajan Singh the only specialist spinner. Both Bumrah and Malinga are experts in this format and have some excellent death bowling skills.

Meanwhile, Harbhajan has played for both franchises and has been a part of the success earlier. Surprisingly, Ambati Rayudu picked himself as the Impact Player of this team. Just like Harbhajan, he has also represented both franchises.

Both Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians will square off against each other at Chennai on March 23. It is the first match for both the teams and they will be aiming for a winning start.

Ambati Rayudu’s all-time MI-CSK IPL XI: Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga, Harbhajan Singh. Impact player: Ambati Rayudu.