Ahead of the commencement of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has faced severe blows First, 13 personnel, including two players, from their camp tested positive of the coronavirus.
Following which, their batting mainstay Suresh Raina, who has been the leading scorer for CSK in all the past editions, withdraws his name from the tournament citing personal reasons. The veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh also opted out from the much-awaited season.
As many cricket pundits have said, CSK will have a difficult season without their two seasoned players. It would be hard for them to fill the void of Raina and Harbhajan. But they have the captain like MS Dhoni, who has amazed everyone with his exploits when no one had expectations.
So, as CSK moves to play season opener against Mumbai Indians (MI) on 19th September, here we have discussed CSK predicted XI.
IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – CSK Predicted XI:
Shane Watson:
The former Australian cricketer Shane Watson opened the innings for Chennai in the last edition and he was successful in giving a good start to the team. In the grand-finale of IPL 2019, he almost took to the team to victory but unfortunately, CSK could not win the season.
With the hefty amount of experience in his belt, the franchise would like to continue him as the part of CSK Predicted XI, to give the role of an opener in 2020 as well.
Faf du Plessis:
Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson were the opening partners in last season. Their partnership was a great success so the franchise would not try to broke them.
The Proteas played 12 matches and scored 396 runs in the IPL 2019 at the strike rate of 123.36.
Ambati Rayudu:
The no. 3 in the CSK was reserved to Suresh Raina but he has pulled out of the tournament. So, his place can be taken by Ambati Rayudu. He is an experienced IPL player while also have patience. He is best suited to take a responsible job at the top-order.
Murali Vijay:
Murali Vijay has warmed the benches in past editions but the ouster of Raina in the squad has given him the place in the playing XI. He has a good domestic record so he can be a beneficial player in the IPL 2020.
MS Dhoni:
CSK success in IPL 2020 will mainly depend on Dhoni’s performance this year. Many were of the view that he might open the innings this season but the franchise would not like him to expose him so early. He will continue to be the finisher of the franchise.
Kedar Jadhav
The allrounder Kedar Jadhav is guaranteed to be the part of the playing XI after the ouster of the Raina. Although his fitness has always been a problem for him, he is a reliable batsman. The veteran can accelerate the innings while he can also be the part-time spinner.
Ravindra Jadeja:
Ravindra Jadeja is the all-important player in the CSK’s eleven. When UAE hosted the first part of IPL 2014, he was the superstar for the team. For the upcoming season, he will be the backbone of the Chennai. So, no doubt about his inclusion in the XI.
Dwyane Bravo
The unpredictable Bravo has improved with his journey with CSK. He is one of the trustworthy men of Dhoni. His place in the franchise is unquestionable. With his powerful batting and death over bowling, he will be utterly crucial for the three-time IPL winning team.
Imran Tahir:
Imran Tahir, the purple cap winner of the IPL 2019, has defied all the age factor debate. Being the 40-year-old, he is still as effective as ever. The overseas spinner would be a major threat for the opposition in the UAE pitches which is understood to be slowish. So, his slot in the playing XI is unsurprisingly locked.
Deepak Chahar/Shardul Thakur:
Deepak Chahar, who had tested positive of the coronavirus, is in the youngster list of the CSK squad. He has played two seasons for the franchise but has created his special place in the squad. But with Suresh Raina backing out, CSK will look to depth in their batting so Shardul Thakur might be preferred over Chahar. It will be a tough call for MS Dhoni to take owing to the CSK Predicted XI.
Piyush Chawla:
Harbhajan Singh absence in the CSK squad will give the chance to Piyush Chawla. He was bought for a hefty price tag in the IPL 2020 auction. The leg spinner’s googly and variations of the pace will be his lethal weapon in the cash-rich league. Chawala will play a pivotal role in the CSK Predicted XI.