Table of Contents
ToggleChennai Super Kings (CSK), the most consistent side in IPL, are ironically struggling for the same in IPL 2020. Their depleted batting line-up in absence of Suresh Raina have not looked like a force to reckon with. Murali Vijay has struggled for runs at the top of the order, Shane Watson has got the starts but failed to convert it while skipper MS Dhoni has also looked rusty in the initial games.
CSK will hope to re-assess their games and comeback as a stronger unit against Delhi Capitals in their next match against Delhi Capitals on Friday. It will be interesting to see if Dhoni makes changes with his starting XI and bring the experience of Imran Tahir to play. CSK had went ahead with Sam Curran, Lungi Ngidi, Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson as their overseas players in the previous matches.
Murali Vijay
Murali Vijay needs to up his ante for CSK. He scored 21 runs off as many balls in the previous match but has failed to make an impact for his side. Dhoni is known to back his players and since he doesn’t have a lot of options, Vijay will continue to open the batting for CSK.
Shane Watson
Veteran Australia opener Shane Watson has been a crucial member of the CSK squad over the years. Watson has been extremely important for CSK to get them off to a good start. He has shown in the last two matches that he can still hit those big ones. But against Delhi Capitals, Watson would want to go, one step ahead and play a match-winning knock.
Faf du Plessis
Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has looked in form for CSK in the IPL 2020. He has shown his brilliance with two splendid knocks. But the concern for the Chennai franchise will be that they are highly dependent on the South African and if on a day, he doesn’t works then CSK might face a big problem.
Sam Curran
Rising England all-rounder Sam Curran has already proved himself to some extent for CSK. In the inaugural fixture, he played a match-winning knock and also played a little came in the second game. Curran will be key with the bat and ball for CSK throughout the tournament and he will add energetic approach to the side.
Ruturaj Gaikwad
After recovering from Covid-19 Ruturaj Gaikwad made his debut for CSK in the last match. It did not turn out to be as expected but Gaikwad is far better than his previous performances. He can play quick-fire knocks and would be keen to show his potential after an initial setback.
Kedar Jadhav
Kedar Jadhav will play in the CSK side in place of Ambati Rayudu. The latter, after playing a stellar knock was not available for the next match as he was unfit. Jadhav, who played a cameo of 22 runs from 16 balls, in the previous match will look to add composure to the CSK middle-order.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni runs the CSK franchise. His decision making brings the difference to the side. The former India captain might have looked rusty in the previous matches but will look to carry his game in the last over to the next match.
Ravindra Jadeja
Premier India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has still not performed to his full potential. Jadeja has been a crucial cog in the CSK set up over the years. He will look to provide stability to the Chennai franchise with the bat and ball against Delhi Capitals.
Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar will be the key the fast bowling department for CSK. He has been crucial for the side and has the knack of providing early wickets. Chahar will look to bring his A game in the match against Delhi Capitals.
Piyush Chawla
Veteran India spinner Piyush Chawla leaked away too many runs for CSK in the previous match. Dhoni will still continue to back him in the side. Chawla, with his experience, can be extremely crucial in the slow pitches in UAE.
Lungi Ngidi
South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi will be a vital for CSK in the fast bowling department. He can provide the Chennai franchise with early breakthroughs and keep them at the top of the game. Ngidi, however, will look to improve his performance in the death overs.