Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders: Chennai Super Kings' Predicted Playing XI Against Kolkata Knight Riders

The defending champions, Chennai Super Kings had a pretty good outing at the IPL Mega Auction 2022. They did pretty well to compile a solid 25-member squad. Prior to the auctions, CSK retained four players, namely Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Moeen Ali and Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Much to the delight of CSK fans, they managed to buy their core players back into the team. Players such as Deepak Chahar, Ambati Rayudu, Dwayne Bravo etc. will, once again, be donning the yellow jersey ahead of the 15th edition of the tournament. Besides, they have also invested in some talented Indians such as Shivam Dube,  Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Tushar Deshpande to name a few.

Chennai Super Kings will kick start their IPL 2022 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders on 26^th March 2022 at Wankhede Cricket Stadium. In this article, we have compiled our predicted playing XI of Chennai Super Kings for the first match against KKR.

Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders: Chennai Super Kings’ Predicted Playing XI Against Kolkata Knight Riders

Openers: Robin Uthappa and Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad had a stellar season last year. He finished the tournament as the highest run-getter. In 16 matches, he managed to score 635 runs at an average of 45.36 and a strike rate of close to140. Gaikwad formed a successful opening pair with Faf du Plessis.

However, the latter will be playing for RCB in the next season. CSK would be looking to make Robin Uthappa open the innings. Robin Uthappa warmed the bench for the major chunk of IPL 2021. However, when he got the chance he showed what he is capable of. He is likely to open the innings with Gaikwad in IPL 2022.

Middle-Order: Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu

Moeen Ali played at number three last season and he did an outstanding job. The franchise would be wanting to him make a similar impact this year as well.

At five and six will be the experienced duo of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu. Both will be key to the team’s fortune. However, both are past their prime. Whether they would be able to fulfil their roles the bat remains to be seen.

All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Dwaine Pretorius, Dwayne Bravo

Ravindra Jadeja could be the ‘X’ factor player for CSK this year. He has made a vast improvement in his batting in the last two years. Jadeja could give those finishing touches and might be promoted in the batting order.

The franchise has managed to bring Dwayne Bravo back into the team and he will be an important part in the bowling attack. In a major blow for him, Deepak Chahar is likely to miss the major chunk of IPL 2022 and Dwaine Pretorius could do a similar job for them.

Bowlers: KM Asif and Adam Milne

KM Asif got only match to play in the last game. However, with Deepak Chahar not there for the major part of the tournament for Chennai Super Kings, he could get a lot more opportunities this time around. Besides, The franchise has also managed to acquire the services of New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne and he could be slotted in the playing XI for the first match of the tournament.