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ToggleIPL 2021 is going to kickstart in April this year, unlike the last time when it had to be scheduled in September-November due to the worldwide pandemic of COVID 19. Chennai Super Kings suffered their worst performance in IPL 2020, and they will be eager to change the scenario in IPL 2021. CSK finished at the 7th spot in the points table in IPL 2020, their worst show ever in the tournament.
In IPL 2021 auction, the MS Dhoni-led franchisee bought 6 players in their squad. Krishnappa Gowtham was CSK’s costliest buy at Rs. 9.25 crore. Moeen Ali also made his way into Chennai Super Kings at Rs. 7 crores. As the latest CSK squad is all set for IPL 2021, here we look at the best-predicted XI of Chennai Super Kings for the first match in IPL 2021.
IPL 2021: Best Predicted XI Of Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis recently announced his retirement from Test cricket. Faf du Plessis is the most crucial overseas gem for CSK. Plessis will be the best option for Chennai Super Kings in the opening position. Even in last season, Faf du Plessis was the highest run-getter for Chennai Super Kings, scoring 449 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of 140+. Therefore, Faf du Plessis should be in CSK’s playing XI in the first match in IPL 2021.
Ambati Rayudu
After the ouster of Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu comes as the best option in the opener’s category for Chennai Super Kings. The right-handed batsman has the ability to perform under pressure. In last season, Rayudu was the second-highest run-getter for Chennai Super Kings, hitting 359 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 127+. Ambati Rayudu is a better option in the opening slot for CSK than Robin Uthappa.
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina’s absence in IPL 2020 affected Chennai Super Kings’ performance to a great extent. Raina, the highest run-scorer in IPL tournaments, has to be part of the playing 11 in the team. His presence will not only strengthen Chennai Super Kings’ batting but will also haunt the opposition team in the first match. At the one-down position, CSK does not have a better option than Suresh Raina, so he should be part of playing 11.
Krishnappa Gowtham
CSK spent a huge amount Rs. 9.25 crore for Krishnappa Gowtham in IPL 2021 auction, so it will be a foolish gesture not to induct him in the first match. Kings XI Punjab allowed Krishnappa Gowtham to play only 2 matches in IPL 2020, and the right-handed batsman played at a strike of 155+. He could only score 42 runs in two matches, however, if given more opportunities, he will attract the limelight with his performance. Inducting Krishnappa Gowtham in the first match will also boost his confidence in the tournament.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni has announced his retirement from international cricket and the IPL tournament is the only league where the Indian legend can showcase his skills. No one can lead to CSK better than MS Dhoni at present. Moreover, MS Dhoni is the best option for wicket-keeper in the team.
Moeen Ali
English all-rounder Moeen Ali was the only overseas player CSK bought in IPL 2021 auction. CSK only had one spot available for an overseas player and the franchisee went ahead with Moeen Ali. Moeen Ali has spent a lot of time on Asian soil in the recent time during England’s tour of Sri Lanka and India. Ongoing England’s tour of India 2021 will provide more training to the batting all-rounder Moeen Ali on Indian soil. This will help him in the forthcoming IPL 2021 tournament.
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is currently undergoing injury and he is out of India vs England series Test series 2021. With his quickfire batting style and spin bowling, Ravindra Jadeja acts as a bonus player in the team. In the last IPL season, Jadeja scored 232 runs in 11 innings at a superb strike-rate of 171+. He has been in a great form ince then and his inclusion will add benefits to CSK in the batting and bowling department.
Dwayne Bravo
West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has been an integral part of CSK franchisee and has been a part of the team for more than 10 years. He was ruled out midway in IPL 2020 due to a groin injury and could only play 6 matches. Due to his absence in the last season, Bravo will be all set to show his magic in IPL 2021. He is a great death-over bowler and has the ability to hit long shots while batting. He will a key player for CSK to start IPL 2021 journey on a winning note.
Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar has become a leading pacer for Chennai Super Kings over time. Last season, he took 12 wickets in 14 matches. After Sam Curran, Chahar was the leading wicket-taker for CSK. His economy of 7.61 is also a commendable stat to look upon. Chahar will be a good option in the playing 11 as a full-time bowler.
Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur will be another good pick in the bowling department. He was part of the ODI and T20I Indian team in the Border-Gavaskar trophy 2020-21. He is still making it to the national team which proves his ability in bowling. He will provide great assistance to Deepak Chahar in the bowling department.
Lungi Ngidi
South African pacer Lungi Ngidi will be the best option for CSK in the overseas category to support the bowling department. He has great pace in his bowling which will help to dominate the batsmen. Along with Lungi Ngidi’s addition to the bowling department, CSK will have a spectacular pace bowling attack in the opening game.