IPL 2020: Match 25: Chennai Super Kings Vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: CSK Predicted XI

After defeating Kings XI Punjab by ten wickets, Chennai Super Kings stuttered against Kolkata Knight Riders in their sixth match of IPL 2020. From finding themselves in a winning position, Chennai Super Kings fell ten runs short of chasing 168 in Abu Dhabi against the Knight Riders. Hence, they will have to ace the knack of holding their nerves to get to accumulate victories consistently.

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The yellow army will be up against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are also in the middle of the points table. However, Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers are better positioned than the Super Kings for now. A battle between the captaincy of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni would also be enticing to witness. It is arguably a crucial match for both the teams.

We take a look at Chennai Super Kings’ predicted XI ahead of their IPL 2020 game against Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Shane Watson:

Shane Watson top-scored for Chennai Super Kings against the Knight Riders, scoring his second successive half-century. Shane Watson made 50 off 40 deliveries that included six fours and a six. It was the 39-year old’s wicket in the 14th over that turned the match in favour of the 2012 and 2014 champions.

Faf Du Plessis:

With 299 runs in six matches, Faf Du Plessis is the second-highest run-getter in the tournament. He scored 17 runs in ten deliveries against Kolkata that included three boundaries. The former South African skipper will most likely regain the Orange cap from Kings XI Punjab skipper KL Rahul.

Ambati Rayudu:

Ambati Rayudu was the only batsman other than Shane Watson from CSK to score at least 30 runs against the Knight Riders. Ambati Rayudu shared a partnership of 69 runs along with Shane Watson to set a strong foundation for the chase. However, he holed out to long-on in the 13th over.

MS Dhoni (c&wk):

Skipper MS Dhoni looked set to win the match for his side after his brilliance behind the stumps. CSK entered the 17th over needing 44 and MS Dhoni thrashed the second ball from Varun Chakravarthy for four; however, lost his stumps in the very next. He fell for 11 off 12 deliveries after which the chase fell apart.

Sam Curran:

Sam Curran did his bit with the bat after receiving a promotion to blast some quick runs. Sam Curran slammed a six and four in his 12-ball 17; however, Andre Russell removed him in the 18th over. With the ball, the left-arm seamer was excellent finishing with figures of 4-0-26-2, removing Sam Curran and Dinesh Karthik.

Kedar Jadhav:

Kedar Jadhav copped widespread criticism for wasting 12 deliveries and scoring only seven runs. When Kedar Jadhav strode into the middle, all Chennai needed were boundaries; however, his defensive gameplay left the Super Kings ten runs short. However, with no like-for-like replacement available, CSK is likely to stick with him.

Ravindra Jadeja:

Ravindra Jadeja combined with Faf Du Plessis to take an outstanding catch to dismiss Sunil Narine. However, MS Dhoni did not bowl him as he has proven ineffective this season as compared to the last few seasons. The southpaw clattered 21 off eight balls while chasing 168; however, the match was gone by then.

Dwayne Bravo:

Dwayne Bravo was the pick of the bowlers for Chennai Super Kings as he took three wickets for 37 runs in four overs. He removed the likes of Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Mavi, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti to cop an outstanding performance. Bravo also could have won CSK the match with the bat if he arrived instead of Kedar Jadhav.

Shardul Thakur:

Shardul Thakur looks like a much-improved bowler compared to the tonking he received in the limited-overs games in New Zealand. Shardul Thakur claimed the wickets of Shubman Gill and Andre Russell with the latter hugely denting the Knight Riders’ innings. He finished with figures of 4-0-28-2.

Deepak Chahar:

Deepak Chahar proved as the most expensive bowler against the Knight Riders, finishing with figures of 4-0-47-0. However, Deepak Chahar’s ability to pick wickets with the new ball remains his biggest strength. He is also more than a handy batsman down the order.

Karn Sharma:

Karn Sharma played his first match of IPL 2020, replacing Piyush Chawla. The leg-spinner made the most of his opportunity by picking up two wickets in four overs, leaking only 25 runs. The 32-year old removed the likes of Nitish Rana and Sunil Narine and will most likely retain his spot.