Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders: CSK Playing 11 Against KKR (Predicted)- IPL 2022, Match 01, CSK vs KKR

Chennai Super Kings is one of the most successful franchises in the history of the Indian Premier League. They are the defending champions. CSK beat KKR in the final of IPL 2021 to clinch their fourth IPL title.

And, they will be kick-starting their IPL 2022 campaign against the same team on 26^th March 2022 at Wankhede Cricket Stadium. Here’s a look at our predicted playing XI of Chennai Super Kings for the first match of IPL 2022.

Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders: CSK Playing 11 Against KKR (Predicted)- IPL 2022, Match 01, CSK vs KKR

Openers: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway

Ruturaj Gaikwad wreaked havoc last year. He formed a successful opening pair with Faf du Plessis and gave CSK solid starts at the top of the order. Gaikwad finished the tournament as the highest run-scorer and would be keen to replicate similar performances. Thought, he is likely to have a different partner in Devon Conway. The latter is a like-for-like replacement and will be making his debut in IPL this year.

Middle-Order: Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni

With Suresh Raina no longer in the team, Robin Uthappa is likely to get a lot more opportunities. Also, with Moeen Ali not available for the first match, he should bat at number three in the batting order. Uthappa will be followed by the likes of Rayudu and Dhoni at number four and five respectively.

All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo and Rajvardhan Hangargekar

Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo will continue to be key to the team’s fortune. Ravindra Jadeja is in outstanding form with the bat. His improvement as a batter might him get promoted in the batting order.

The presence of Bravo gives a great balance to the team. His four-over spells will continue to prove vital for the team. Under-19 star, Rajvardhan Hangargekar will be a like-for-like replacement for Deepak Chahar. He could be an ideal foil and might make his debut in the first game.

Bowlers: Santner, Milne, and Deshpande

In the absence of Moeen Ali, Chennai Super Kings are likely to go with Mitchell Santner as the second spin option. He is a left-arm spin option but Chennai Super Kings doesn’t really have any other choice. Besides, he gives great depth in the batting as well. In the pace department, Adam Milne should spearhead the attack. He will be supported by either one of Deshpande or KM Asif