IPL 2022: Aakash Chopra Picks Chennai Super Kings' Playing XI For The First Match Against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Former Indian opening batsman Aakash Chopra has picked Chennai Super Kings’ playing XI for the match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which will be the first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022.

Defending champions Chennai Super Kings will start their title defence against the Shreyas Iyer-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 26 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra mentioned that the England all-rounder Moeen Ali may miss the first game of the cash-rich and made his playing accordingly. He picked, IPL 2022 highest run-getter, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Kiwi Devon Conway as his openers. He elaborated:

“There are a few complications. If Moeen Ali is not available, who will be the four overseas for the first match? I am saying open with Devon Conway alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad. You will get a left-handed opener.”

“At No. 3, if you don’t have Moeen Ali, then Robin Uthappa. Once Moeen Ali comes, you will have to once again think about your overseas contingent, which way you want to go. After that, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja and then Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni at No. 7.”

In my opinion, this is a make-or-break season for Shivam Dube – Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra, who picked all-rounder Shivam Dube as his No.6 at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), said that the all-rounder is a good purchase and the 15th edition of the tournament will be a “make-or-break season for him”. He reasoned:

“Shivam Dube has been a very good purchase. In my opinion, this is a make-or-break season for him. If he doesn’t flower even under MS Dhoni, because the two Royals have not done good for him – whether it is Royal Challengers Bangalore or Rajasthan Royals. If he seals his place here, the story can become good.”

Former Indian opener further named Dwayne Bravo, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Chris Jordan and Adam Milne as his four bowlers. He said:

“After that, Dwayne Bravo. I have kept Hangargekar, Chris Jordan and Adam Milne in my team. So my four overseas players are Dwayne Bravo, Adam Milne, Chris Jordan and Devon Conway to begin with. Once Chahar becomes available, one out of Jordan or Bravo will play.”

Here’s Aakash Chopra’s CSK XI for the battle vs KKR:

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, Dwayne Bravo, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Chris Jordan, Adam Milne

Also Read: IPL 2022: Aakash Chopra On RR’s Bowling Attack: “Might Not See A Stronger Combination Of Four Bowlers Anywhere Else”

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