Faf du Plessis Age, Biography, career, stats, networth, Ranking & News

Faf du Plessis

Harbhajan Singh. (Twitter/KKRiders)
Harbhajan Singh. (Twitter/KKRiders)
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Harbhajan Singh Says It’s Tough To Compete Against CSK

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Harbhajan Singh, who is currently plying his trade for the Kolkata Knight Riders, explained why is difficult to battle against MS Dhoni’s CSK team.

Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh who played earlier for CSK heaped praise on Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni, saying that it is always a challenge to face his team and that his focus will be on winning the IPL 2021 title.

Harbhajan Singh and MS Dhoni
Harbhajan Singh and MS Dhoni. Credits: Twitter

Harbhajan Singh: It Is Always A Challenge To Play Against CSK For They Often Field An Experienced Team, So KKR Have To Play Like Champions

Harbhajan Singh explained why is difficult to battle against MS Dhoni’s team CSK for they have several experienced campaigners in their squad like Imran Tahir, Faf du Plessis, Dwayne Bravo, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, and Suresh Raina to mention a few.

“It is always a challenge to face MS Dhoni’s team because he often has a very good squad by his side. As CSK often takes the field with a number of experienced players, it is always a closely fought battle against them. If KKR want to beat the likes of CSK and MI, then we will have to play like champions,” Harbhajan Singh quipped while speaking on the SportTak YouTube channel.

MS Dhoni (BCCI/IPL)
MS Dhoni (BCCI/IPL)

MS Dhoni, following the culmination of the ongoing IPL season, will stay back with Team India for the T20 World Cup as he will serve his time there as the mentor. Harbhajan Singh believes that CSK skipper MS Dhoni will not be in his mentor role yet and would want to finish his career on a high should he decides to hang up his boots at the end of this season.

“I do not feel that MS Dhoni will be in his mentor role at the moment. He is currently in the captain’s role and I believe his complete focus will be on winning the championship for his team. It is uncertain if he will play next season, hence he will want to finish on a high note.”

KKR lost the 1st match between the two teams in the 1st half of IPL 2021 in India as openers Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 64 and Faf du Plessis scored an unbeaten 95 to propel CSK to 220/3. KKR fought valiantly but couldn’t quite recover from the start as they were 31/5 at one stage. Despite Dinesh Karthik‘s 40, Andre Russell’s 54, and Pat Cummins’ unbeaten 66, KKR could score 202 and lost by 18 runs.

Harbhajan Singh played 3 IPL games for his new franchise KKR but went wicketless. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni’s CSK got off to an excellent start in the second phase-the UAE leg of IPL 14.

CSK And KKR Register Wins In The First 2 Games Since IPL 2021 Resumption At UAE

Chennai Super Kings defeated defending champions Mumbai Indians by 20 runs after finding themselves reeling at 24/4 after 6 overs in the first innings. It was opener Ruturaj Gaikwad’s rescue act that got CSK’s innings back on track. He smashed an unbeaten 88 to guide the “Yellow Army” to 156/6 in 20 overs. In response, Kieron Pollard-led MI could only manage 136/8 in their 20 overs and so lost the 30th match of IPL 2021.

Shubman Gill | Vipin Pawar / Sportzpics for BCCI
Shubman Gill | Vipin Pawar / Sportzpics for BCCI

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell (3/9) and leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy (3/13) bowled brilliantly to fold up RCB’s innings at 92 in 19 overs in match 31 of IPL 2021. KKR openers Shubman Gill (48) and debutant Venkatesh Iyer (41*) then steered the chase within 10 overs with excellent shots.

Shubman Gill was dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal when KKR was only 10 runs away from the win. KKR’s victory helped them to climb to the fifth spot in the IPL 2021 points table from seventh with a net run rate of +0.110.

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Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen. Image Credits: Twitter
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Kevin Pietersen Doesn’t Know What Kieron Pollard Was Thinking As Jasprit Bumrah Was Taken Off After 1 Over

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Kevin Pietersen feels Mumbai Indians missed a trick, allowing Chennai Super Kings to get to over 150 when they had them on the mat at 24/4. Kevin Pietersen was pretty outspoken at the mid-innings interval of the Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians Match 30 of the IPL 2021, believing MI lost grip of the game when they allowed CSK to come back in the game after having them on the mat at 24/4 in the Powerplay(6 overs).
CSK finished their innings on 156/6 thanks to Ruturaj Gaikwad’s innings of 88 not out and Dwayne Bravo who played a cameo of 23 runs from just eight balls, including three massive sixes besides picking 3 scalps. CSK was 24/4 at one stage and Ambati Rayudu was retired hard but the momentum was shifted as unlike the opening pacers Trent Boult and Adam Milne, the spinner Krunal Pandya(2 overs 27 runs) was too expensive.
Kevin Pietersen file image | Faheem Hussain - Sportzpics
Kevin Pietersen file image | Faheem Hussain – Sportzpics

Kevin Pietersen: Mumbai Indians Missed A Trick And Lost Despite Starting Well

The total proved to be a match-winning one as MI finished on 136/8; thus, losing the contest by 20 runs. Kevin Pietersen was sceptical of Kieron Pollard’s captaincy, pointing out areas where he felt Mumbai Indians should have been tactically smarter.

“Mumbai started so well. They really got themselves into the game. They knew they needed to get themselves going. They lost their captain so he was replaced. And they started so well. CSK was 4 down very early. Ambati Rayudu retired out. When you get that many wickets early, you have to keep your foot down. You talk about momentum; you need to keep it going,” Pietersen said during the innings interval on Star Sports.

Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard (Image Credit: Twitter)

“I think Mumbai Indians missed a trick. I don’t know what Kieron Pollard was thinking by not bowling Jasprit Bumrah for 2 or 3 overs. They could have been 40/7, 50/7. CSK could have been 60, 70, or 80 all out. I’m not being silly when I say that. You have got to bowl your fast, strike bowlers.”

Jasprit Bumrah was taken off after just one over, and the ball was handed to Krunal Pandya and Rahul Chahar. Although Rahul Chahar bowled a tight spell at one end, Krunal Pandya leaked runs with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja growing in confidence. Apart from the MI pacers Trent Boult, Adam Milne, and Jasprit Bumrah who took 2 wickets each, the other bowlers failed to take a scalp.

Kevin Pietersen:  Mumbai Indians Should Have Cleaned CSK Out

The two Ravindra Jadeja and Ruturaj Gaikwad stitched a partnership of 81 runs to put CSK back in the game, which is something  Kevin Pietersen reckons should have been avoided given the fact that 3 of their top four were all dismissed for ducks – Ambati Rayudu was retired hurt – MS Dhoni fell for 3 and Suresh Raina for 4.

Dwayne Bravo. (AFP)
Dwayne Bravo. (AFP)/ AFP PHOTO / PUNIT PARANJPE

“They were allowed into the game. There is nowhere in this world that they should have been in this game. Mumbai Indians should have cleaned them out. These are things that are discussed in team meetings. If you had been 40/4 or something like that, you don’t bring spinners in and if you do, you don’t put fielders in the boundary,” Pietersen added at the end of the match.

Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo scored 26 and 23 respectively before being dismissed while Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, and MS Dhoni couldn’t contribute even 5 runs each. For CSK, pacers Dwayne Bravo scalped three wickets and Deepak Chahar took two scalps. For Mumbai Indians, Saurabh Tiwary was the highest scorer after playing a knock of 50 runs.

With this win, Chennai Super Kings went to the top of the IPL table while Mumbai is now in danger of falling outside the top 4 if they get on a losing streak.

Chennai Super Kings 156 for 6 (Gaikwad 88*, Jadeja 26, Milne 2-21) beat Mumbai Indians 136 for 8 (Tiwary 50*, Bravo 3-25, D Chahar 2-19) by 20 runs

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Ravindra Jadeja With MS Dhoni CSK Twitter Handle
Ravindra Jadeja With MS Dhoni CSK Twitter Handle
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Ravindra Jadeja Should Bat Ahead Of MS Dhoni In IPL 2021 UAE Leg: Sanjay Manjrekar

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Sanjay Manjrekar, former cricketer turned commentator feels Ravindra Jadeja will bat again at the No. 6 spot for his franchise Chennai Super Kings ahead of their talismanic skipper MS Dhoni. It was followed in the first half of IPL 2021. Sanjay Manjrekar feels the batting positions of Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni won’t change in the UAE leg.

CSK had a poor outing in the previous IPL 2020 season held in the UAE as they won just six games and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in IPL history.  However, Sanjay Manjrekar is of the opinion that players like Moeen Ali and Sam Curran have changed the way CSK plays and they will fare better this time around.

Sanjay Manjrekar | Sportzpics
Sanjay Manjrekar | Sportzpics

Sanjay Manjrekar: Ravindra Jadeja Should Bat Ahead Of MS Dhoni

The all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was in clinical form in the first phase of IPL 2021 with the bat especially and he played some crucial knocks. He has the ability to turn a match on its head quickly. He has been excellent under MS Dhoni’s captaincy and he will be expecting to produce the same.

The left-handed batsman scored 131 runs in 6 innings at an average of 131. He also batted at a strike rate of 126+ and scored a half-century. He also picked 6 wickets while bowling at an economy of 6.70 and an average of 26.83.

On the other hand, MS Dhoni will lead the team in the match against Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2021 opener. In the first leg, the wicketkeeper-batsman could not come up with a big knock in any game. In 4 innings, he scored 37 runs averaging a below-par 12.33.

Sanjay Manjrekar said about CSK: “Jadeja should bat ahead of MS Dhoni. I think so (CSK will do well) because their approach has changed and Moeen Ali and Sam Curran have become impact players so they should perform better than the last time we saw them in UAE.”

Ravindra Jadeja, CSK
Ravindra Jadeja. Image Credits: Twitter

Sanjay Manjrekar and Ian Bishop picked overseas players for both the two teams CSK and MI ahead of their encounter on September 19. CSK might not have the services of Faf du Plessis due to his injury in the CPL. Both Sanjay Manjrekar and Ian Bishop want MS Dhoni to play the pace duo of Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi.

“I think Moeen Ali, they should get both their fast bowlers in Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi. And if there is a little bit of turn, Imran Tahir,” Manjrekar said.

“For the first game because of injuries, I will go with Moeen Ali, Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi,” Bishop opined.

Lungi Ngidi might play as a pacer in the opening game against Mumbai Indians. During the first leg, the South African pacer played 3 matches. He picked 5 wickets at an average of 25, with a three-wicket haul in one match.

Josh Hazlewood played 3 games in IPL 2020 picking 1 scalp. Josh Hazelwood had cited personal reasons for pulling out of IPL 2021. In his absence, CSK roped in left-arm pacer Jason Behrendorff from Australia. However, he did not play a single game for the 3-time champions in IPL 2021. But Josh Hazlewood announced his availability for the UAE leg of IPL 2021.

Sanjay Manjrekar And Ian Bishop Wants Adam Milne To Play As The 4th Overseas Option For Mumbai Indians

As far as Mumbai Indians are concerned, the likes of Quinton de Kock, Kieron Pollard, and Trent Boult pick themselves. When it comes to the fourth overseas player, both Sanjay Manjrekar and Ian Bishop want the in-form Adam Milne to play ahead of Nathan Coulter Nile.

“Toss up between Coulter Nile and Adam Milne. There is enough batting for MI so I think Adam Milne.” Manjrekar stated.

Adam Milne- Twitter
Adam Milne- Twitter

“Adam Milne definitely should play. He is the form of his life,” Bishop concluded.

Adam Milne was the leading wicket-taker in the inaugural edition of the Hundred claiming 12 scalps bowling 135 balls for Birmingham Phoenix.

Probable XIs:-

Chennai Super Kings: 1 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 2 Moeen Ali, 3 Suresh Raina, 4 Ambati Rayudu, 5 Ravindra Jadeja, 6 Dwayne Bravo, 7 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 Imran Tahir, 11 Lungi Ngidi/Josh Hazlewood.

Mumbai Indians: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Suryakumar Yadav, 4 Ishan Kishan, 5 Kieron Pollard, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Adam Milne/Nathan Coulter-Nile, 9 Jayant Yadav/Rahul Chahar, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Jasprit Bumrah.

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Sourav Ganguly reveals T20 world Cup trophy | Image Credit: Twitter
Sourav Ganguly reveals T20 world Cup trophy | Image Credit: Twitter
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ICC T20I World Cup 2021: 4 Teams Which Won’t Be Able To Qualify For The Semi-Final

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ICC T20I World Cup 2021 is just a month away from taking place after a gap of five years and the excitement for the tournament in UAE is at its’ peak already. The previous edition took place in 2016 when West Indies emerged as the champions and this will be a 12 team affair this time around for the group stages.

The top eight teams from the T20 international rankings qualified automatically for the league stages of the T20 Worldcup while the remaining four teams will have to make it through the ICC T20I World Cup 2021 qualifiers. Surprisingly, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh haven’t been able to make it to the league stages and are placed in the qualifiers. Here are 4 teams that won’t be able to qualify for the semi-finals of ICC T20I World Cup 2021.

Representational image of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup trophy | AFP / Jewel Samad
Representational image of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy | AFP / Jewel Samad

ICC T20I World Cup 2021: 4 Teams Which Probably Won’t Be Able To Qualify For The Semi-Final

Australia:

Australia Pic: Getty
Australia Pic: Getty

Australia is one of the powerhouses in world cricket at present for a long time now and they still continue to dominate best teams but haven’t been doing it on a consistent basis. But recent losses to West Indies and Bangladesh with a depleted squad saw their reputation diminish.

When it comes to T20 cricket, Australia hasn’t always been the team to watch out for as they do have a lot of stars in their lineup but despite that, they have lacked the T20 flavour. 2010 was the only year they reached the finals of the ICC T20I World Cup and they lost to England.

Australia’s recent form in T20I hasn’t been impressive either as they lost the T20I series in West Indies 4-1 and lost a bilateral series for the first time against Bangladesh which wasn’t the ideal preparation they needed. Australia has been placed in a strong group comprising of England, West Indies, and South Africa and their chances of making it to the semifinals look bleak at the moment.

Australia has lost the last 5 T20I series they have played against New Zealand, India, England, West Indies, and Bangladesh. With the return of big names like David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins the Aaron Finch-led side will be looking forward to gaining back the momentum.

South Africa:

South Africa ( Photo Credit: Twitter )
South Africa ( Photo Credit: Twitter )

South Africa has lacked the edge needed in the knockouts to progress to the finals of the tournament and it has been evident through their results so far in ICC events. They haven’t made it to a final in ICC T20 World Cup yet and have been succumbing down when it comes to pressure games for which they are labelled chokers.

The Proteas are a different looking side now without AB De Villiers and Faf du Plessis, and their new skipper Temba Bavuma will have a huge responsibility under his belt for the T20I World Cup. Their bowling attack does look good but they are expected to struggle with their inexperienced batting lineup and are unlikely to progress to the semi-finals after being placed in a tough group.

They are currently placed on the 5th spot in ICC T20 Internationals rankings. Also in the last 5 T20 international series, they have lost 3 series. They have some exceptionally talented players like Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassi Van Der Dussen, and David Miller on the team but have left out experienced Chris Morris, Faf du Plessis, and Imran Tahir.

Afghanistan :

Afghanistan
Afghanistan

Afghanistan has been one of the teams that have come from far behind in terms of development and the results are there to see as well. They have produced a lot of young match winners already and the best example is Rashid Khan who has been the best spinner in the world in the last two years globally.

Afghanistan has picked up a good squad for the ICC T20I World Cup 2021 but they have a lot of issues going on with the Taliban government and it will certainly take a toll on their performance. They have gone in for experience in the fast bowling department and Rashid Khan has stepped out as the captain of the side as well for the ICC T20I World Cup 2021. With India and New Zealand in the group, Afghanistan might not be able to progress to the semi-finals.

Currently, Afghanistan is placed on the 7th spot in the ICC T20 international rankings. Once the team enters the tournament all eyes will be on big names like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi. ACB named Rashid Khan as their captain for the T20 world cup 2021. Rashid Khan soon came up with a tweet stating that he will be leaving the captaincy. Post that, ACB announced that Mohammad Nabi will be the captain of the team.

Pakistan:

Pakistan AFP / Lindsey Parnaby
Pakistan AFP / Lindsey Parnaby

Pakistan is looking like a better group in the last few international series and with the change in the coaching staff and the Director, a lot could change for the Pakistan side ahead of the ICC T20I World Cup 2021.

However, their recent performances haven’t been up to the mark especially in England and they still have holes to fill inside the group. Lead by captain Babar Azam, Pakistan will kickstart their ICC T20I World Cup 2021 campaign against arch-rivals India in Dubai on 24 October.

They will then face New Zealand in Sharjah on 26 October before returning to Dubai to take on Afghanistan. Their last two matches in the Super 12 stages will see them face runners-up of Group A and table-toppers of Group B from Round 1 in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah respectively.

Their middle order needed some solid experience and they have gone in for youngsters who had failed earlier. Their fast bowling and spin department don’t look bad either but they still do not like getting past New Zealand and India who have strong depth in their squads for the ICC T20I World Cup 2021.

Pakistan chose youth over experience for the backup wicketkeeper spot with the inclusion of Azam Khan over Sarfaraz Ahmed. Azam Khan has featured in only three T20Is in his career and has aggregated only six runs in two innings but his exploits in domestic T20 competitions has helped him seal a berth in the ICC T20I World Cup 2021 squad.

Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah were among the surprise inclusions in the squad for the ICC T20I World Cup 2021 World Cup, having last played a T20I for Pakistan earlier this year against Zimbabwe and South Africa respectively.

They did not find a place in the squad for the tours of England and the West Indies. The experienced campaigners Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz, and Sarfaraz Ahmed surprisingly didn’t find a place in ICC T20I World Cup 2021 squad.

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Chennai Super Kings (Image Credit: Twitter)
Chennai Super Kings (Image Credit: Twitter)
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IPL 2021: CSK vs MI – 3 CSK Players Who Can Be The Man Of The Match

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IPL 2021 UAE leg’s first fixture will be between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians who have won the most number of IPL titles so far and they are again one of the favorites to win the title this year as well. The first phase of IPL 2021 saw these two teams taking on each other in an intense battle and the excitement is set to continue in the second phase as well.

This will be the first match after the resumption of the IPL 2021 in UAE and this will also be the return fixture between these teams. The first game between these two sides this season ended in the favor of the Mumbai Indians who pulled off a stunning win. Here are 3 CSK players who can be the man of the match in IPL 2021.

Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians ©BCCI/IPL
Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians
©BCCI/IPL

IPL 2021: CSK vs MI- 3 CSK Players Who Can Be The Man Of The Match

Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis (Image Credit: Twitter)

The veteran South Africa batsman Faf du Plessis has been one of the consistent performers for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021. He is the third-highest run-scorer in IPL 2021 overall so far and the 37-year-old has been key to the plans of the CSK side.  Faf du Plessis scored 320 runs in 7 games at an average of 64.00 in the first phase and Chennai Super Kings will be worried about his fitness issues.

He will certainly be one of the favorites to win the man of the match award if fit and available to play. Faf du Plessis has picked up a groin injury a few days back while playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
It was learned that Faf du Plessis could be fit to be ready in time for CSK’s opening match against Mumbai Indians on Sunday. Though he hasn’t played the latter CPL games, he may just be ready for Sunday’s opening fixture.

Faf du Plessis, along with CSK’s other members Imran Tahir and Dwayne Bravo who are playing in the CPL, will arrive in the UAE on Thursday. The trio doesn’t need to undergo the mandatory hard quarantine since they will have a bubble-to-bubble transfer.

He was also a star in CSK’s miserable campaign in the UAE in IPL 2020, scoring 449 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 140.75 with 4 fifties. CSK had performed poorly in IPL 2020 as for the first time the three-time IPL winners failed to qualify for the playoffs of the event.

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja (Image Credit: Twitter)

The all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was in clinical form in the first phase of IPL 2021 with the bat especially and he played some crucial knocks. The left-hander has scored 131 runs in the first 7 games and was dismissed just once in his innings. He has played 191 matches in his IPL career so far and scored 2290 runs at an average of 26.62, including two fifties. He also has 120 wickets to his name, including three four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul.

Ravindra Jadeja was in good form in the recent Test series against England too. He has the ability to turn a match on its head quickly. He has been excellent under MS Dhoni’s captaincy and he will be expecting to produce the same. The left-handed batsman scored 131 runs in 6 innings at an average of 131. He also batted at a strike rate of 126+ and scored a half-century. He also picked 6 wickets while bowling at an economy of 6.70 and an average of 26.83.

Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu © BCCI
Ambati Rayudu © BCCI

Ambati Rayudu was one of the stars of the Chennai Super Kings side in their first fixture against Mumbai Indians and almost bagged the man of the match award. The right-hander scored 72 off just 27 balls with seven sixes and four fours. He will be one of the players to watch out for in the contest between these two teams.

Ambati Rayudu was once part of the Mumbai Indians unless he was bought by the CSK side in the 2018 auction. He likes to take on the Mumbai bowlers especially. Ambati Rayudu has been one of the important pillars in the CSK side in the middle order.

In 7 matches in the Indian leg of IPL 2021, Ambati Rayudu scored 136 runs averaging 34 at an excellent strike rate of 200. Once a regular in the Indian ODI team, Ambati Rayudu would come in handy for the CSK in the middle-order, if needed.

The likes of Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, and Shardul Thakur are some other contenders for MoM.

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Chennai Super Kings (Image Credit: Twitter)
Chennai Super Kings (Image Credit: Twitter)
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IPL 2021: CSK vs MI- CSK’s Predicted XI For The 1st Match

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IPL 2021, UAE leg is all set to get underway from September 19 and it would be a blockbuster to get things rolling in UAE as defending champions Mumbai Indians lock horns with familiar foes in Chennai Super Kings in Dubai. While expectations would be high from both sides, the winner would be the one side who holds their nerves best on the given day as both teams are well-matched on paper.

The two teams have met on 32 occasions, with Mumbai being the winners 19 times. CSK holds the 2nd spot in the points table with 10 points. The MS Dhoni-led side has won 5 matches and lost 2 out of 7 matches. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians are in the 4th spot in the points table with 8 points. Out of 7 games, MI has won 4 matches and lost 3. In the earlier encounter in India in IPL 2021, MI won the match by 4 wickets while chasing a mammoth target of 219 runs.

For CSK, they have concerns to address ahead of their opener against MI as a couple of their stars – Faf du Plessis and Sam Curran – may miss out.  While the SA cricketer picked up an injury during a CPL match and that puts his participation in doubt, the English all-rounder has arrived in Dubai only on Wednesday morning and has to serve a mandatory 6-day quarantine – which makes him unavailable.

Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians ©BCCI/IPL
Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians ©BCCI/IPL

IPL 2021:- Chennai Super Kings Predicted XI:-

Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa (Image Credit: Twitter)

Robin Uthappa might get a chance to play for Chennai Super Kings in the match against Mumbai Indians as Faf du Plessis is currently injured. Faf du Plessis recently faced a groin injury during a CPL 2021 and reports suggest that he might need one week to recover.

As a result, the team might give Robin Uthappa a chance in the opening slot against Mumbai Indians. The unfailingly consistent and proven match-winner, Robin Uthappa, who has scored 4607 IPL runs, was traded to Chennai Super Kings by the Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2021 Player Auction.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Image Credit: Twitter)

Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the other opener CSK might choose in the opening game of IPL 2021. Ruturaj Gaikwad executed a great batting show in the first leg, scoring 196 runs in 7 games at an average of 28. He also smacked 2 half-centuries, while batting at a strike rate of 128+.

Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali[photo: Twitter]
After his brilliant quickfire knocks in the first leg of IPL 2021, Moeen Ali is most likely to be part of the CSK’s playing XI against MI. The England player played 6 matches in the first leg, scoring 206 runs in 6 innings at an average of 34.33. The leg-handed batsman owned a strike rate of 157+ and also hit 1 fifty. He also picked 5 scalps averaging an impressive 14.8.

Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina (Image Credit: Twitter)

Suresh Raina is another player who might make it into the playing XI during CSK’s opening game against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021. In 7 matches so far, the left-handed batsman scored 123 runs in 6 innings at an average of 24.60. Suresh Raina has also hit a half-century in one game. He has played exactly 200 IPL games and has scored 5491 runs in IPL and is the third-highest run-getter in IPL history.

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja. Image Credits: Twitter

Ravindra Jadeja is one player who will definitely make it into the playing XI for CSK in the opening encounter against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021. The left-handed batsman scored 131 runs in 6 innings at an average of 131. He also batted at a strike rate of 126+ and scored a half-century. He also picked 6 wickets while bowling at an economy of 6.70 and an average of 26.83.

MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni (BCCI/IPL)
MS Dhoni (BCCI/IPL)

MS Dhoni will lead the team in the match against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021 opener. In the first leg, the wicketkeeper-batsman could not come up with a big knock in any game. In 4 innings, he scored 37 runs averaging a below-par 12.33.  MS Dhoni is the best option for a wicketkeeper for CSK.

While MS Dhoni has hung up his boots on a 16-year illustrious career for Team India, he will be seen donning the CSK colours once again. MS Dhoni would want to end IPL 2021 on a winning note as this season may be the last one for the keeper. CSK failed to qualify for the first time in IPL history in 2020 but the MS Dhoni-led team will want to make amends.

Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir (Image Credit: Twitter)

Imran Tahir is another player who might make it to CSK’s playing XI in the opening game. Since the IPL 2021 2nd phase will take place in UAE, spinners will be a lot more effective. As a result, CSK might induct 42-year-old veteran Imran Tahir into the team for the game against Mumbai Indians.

The 2019 purple cup winner, who picked 26 scalps in 17 games in 2019, didn’t get enough opportunities in IPL 2020 and IPL 2021. He played only 4 games in the last 2 seasons picking up 3 scalps.

Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner
Mitchell Santner. (Photo Source: Twitter)

For another spinner in the team, Mitchell Santner can be part of CSK in the IPL 2021 opener against Mumbai Indians. The Kiwi player did not play any match during the first leg. In 6 games in IPL so far, the bowling all-rounder Santner has picked 6 wickets and scored 32 runs. His matches came in 2019 and 2020 but he didn’t get enough opportunities to prove himself.

Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar, Twitter @BCCI
Deepak Chahar, Twitter @BCCI

Deepak Chahar is the first pacer that CSK will pick in the IPL 2021 opener against Mumbai Indians. The right-arm pacer showed magnificent form in the first leg, picking 2 four-wicket hauls. With 8 wickets in 7 games, he averaged 24.12 and an economy of 8.04.

Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi (AFP)
Lungi Ngidi (AFP)

Sam Curran and Dwayne Bravo might miss the first game due to quarantine protocols. Hence, Lungi Ngidi might play as a pacer in the opening game against Mumbai Indians. During the first leg, the South African pacer played 3 matches. He picked 5 wickets at an average of 25, with a three-wicket haul in one match.

Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Shardul Thakur. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Shardul Thakur is another pacer that CSK might go for. The right-arm pacer played all 7 matches during the first leg. He scalped 5 wickets. He was a bit costly with his economy rate of 10.33 and his average of 53.4 wasn’t that good.

However, he is a crucial bowler for CSK with his ability to pick wickets when the team needs them. Moreover, he is also a great tailender batsman as proved in the Test tours to England and Australia in international cricket. He has picked up 51 scalps in 52 IPL games so far.

Other options:-

Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu © BCCI
Ambati Rayudu © BCCI

In 7 matches in the Indian leg of IPL 2021, Ambati Rayudu scored 136 runs averaging 34 at an excellent strike rate of 200 and might play in the middle order. Once a regular in the Indian ODI team, Ambati Rayudu would come in handy for the CSK in the middle-order, if needed.

Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood Credit: iplt20.com/Ron Gaunt/Sportzpics for BCCI
Josh Hazlewood Credit: iplt20.com/Ron Gaunt/Sportzpics for BCCI

Josh Hazlewood played 3 games in IPL 2020. Josh Hazelwood had cited personal reasons for pulling out of IPL 2021. In his absence, CSK roped in left-arm pacer Jason Behrendorff from Australia. However, he did not play a single game for the 3-time champions in IPL 2021.

But Josh Hazlewood announced his availability for the UAE leg of IPL 2021. He has picked 1 scalp in his brief IPL career playing 3 games for CSK. Josh Hazlewood, who played only 3 matches for CSK last season, will be available to play for the 3-time champions in the remainder of the season, starting September 19 in the UAE.

CSK Playing XI vs MI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu/ Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi, J Hazlewood/Imran Tahir

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T20I World Cup trophy. (Photo Source: Twitter)
T20I World Cup trophy. (Photo Source: Twitter)

ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Best XI Of World Beaters Who Missed Out On Squad Selection

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ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Best XI Of World Beaters Who Missed Out On Squad Selection. The ICC T20 World Cup 2021 is scheduled to begin on October 17, a few days after the conclusion of IPL 2021, and the final clash of the tournament will take place on November 14 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Originally, T20 World Cup 2021 was scheduled to commence in India but was shifted to UAE and OMAN besides IPL 2021 due to the Covid-19 scare in the country.

There have been a total of 8 teams that have made entry into the T20 World Cup 2021 through direct qualifications apart from the few teams battling out in the qualifying stage including Sri Lanka and Bangladesh who could not qualify directly for the Super 12 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE and Oman.

In the already qualified teams, Group 1 consists of England, Australia, West Indies, and South Africa. On the other hand Group, 2 consists of India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Afghanistan. All the teams have announced their squads for the T20 World Cup 2021. However, there have been several big names that have been left out from the 15-member squad and their absence from the main squad was a big shocker for cricket fans.

T20I World Cup 2021
T20I World Cup 2021

ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Best XI Of World Beaters Who Missed Out On Squad Selection

Alex Hales

Alex Hales
Alex Hales [Image Credit: Getty]
So far Alex Hales has managed to score 1644 runs in T20Is at a strike rate of 136.65 and 8733 runs in T20 cricket at a strike rate of 145.93. Alex Hales has got highly impressive numbers in T20I as well as T20 cricket and he bats with a massive strike rate as well.

Alex Hales was axed from England’s (eventual winners) 50-over World Cup squad in 2019 for failing a second test for use of recreational drugs. He recently enjoyed an excellent BBL campaign and continues to hold the record for the highest T20I score by an England player – 116 not out against Sri Lanka in the 2014 World T20.

The 31-year-old Alex Hales made his international debut in August 2011 through the T20I cricket. He has played 11 Tests, 70 ODIs, and 60 T20Is for England.

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan (Getty Images)

Shikhar Dhawan missed out on the T20 World Cup 2021 squad as it shocked cricket fans as many thought that the BCCI selection committee would add him to the squad based on his healthy amount of experience and his red hot form in the IPL.

in T20Is Shikhar Dhawan has scored 1759 runs at an average and strike rate of 27.92 and 126.36. Notably, Shikhar Dhawan has been scoring 450 and above runs in IPL since 2016 and there is no doubt if Shikhar Dhawan would have been on the team for T20I World Cup 2021, he would have performed amazingly well. He was really unfortunate to miss out on selection.

Shikhar Dhawan was the captain recently of the Indian team that toured Sri Lanka, playing all 6 matches on the tour. He registered scores of 86*, 29, 13 in the 3 ODIs and 46, 40, 0 in the 3 T20Is. Delhi Capitals’ batsman Shikhar Dhawan is currently the highest run-getter in the IPL 2021 season with 380 runs in 8 matches averaging 54.28 with 3 fifties. He was 2nd among leading run-scorers in IPL 2020 too with 618 runs in 16 matches averaging 44.14 with 2 tons and 4 fifties.

Faf Du Plessis

Faf du Plessis. (Twitter)
Faf du Plessis. (Twitter)

Almost every T20 World Cup 2021 squad prediction of South Africa contained the name of Faf Du Plessis. However when the squad was announced fans were left upset and shocked not to see his name in T20I World Cup 2021 squad. Notably, Faf Du Plessis on February announced his retirement from Test cricket to focus on his T20 career. Also, he is in red hot form in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League.

Faf Du Plessis has already smashed a century in the league. But he may miss a few initial IPL games in UAE for an injury he picked up in the Caribbean Premier League. The opener didn’t play any part in this season’s inaugural edition of English cricket’s new Hundred competition because of the lingering effects of a concussion suffered during the Pakistan Super League.

Faf Du Plessis was in tremendous form for CSK this season in India and scored 320 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of 145.45 before the event got postponed due to a bio-bubble breach. He was the 3rd highest run-getter after Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul.

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes (Image Credit: Twitter)
Ben Stokes (Image Credit: Twitter)

Ben Stokes broke his hand taking a catch for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2021 and a repeat X-ray and CT scan revealed that he has a fracture of his left index finger. He missed the 2 Tests against New Zealand while his last Test came against India in March 2021.

England was forced to pick an entirely new squad of players and support staff for the ODI series against Pakistan after seven members of the party originally selected tested positive for the virus. Ben Stokes returned to the squad to captain the side. After the Covid-19 outbreak, England named a new 18 member squad captained by Ben Stokes and consisting of 9 uncapped players and still won 3-0.

Ben Stokes withdrew from the Test series against India, IPL 2021, and T20I World Cup 2021 as he has decided to ‘prioritize his mental wellbeing’.  Ben Stokes’ heroics in the final of World Cup 2019 where he scored 84 runs, helping England win their maiden 50-over World Cup title, are still fresh in every English fan’s memory. England won by boundary count after scores were tied in 50 overs and Super Over.

AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers. Image Credits: Twitter

Having initially retired from international cricket in 2018, AB de Villiers decided in May of this year that he wasn’t going to return for the T20 World Cup 2021 citing concerns about coming in ahead of players who had long been in the system.

AB de Villiers has played 114 Tests scoring 8765 runs averaging 50.66 and 228 ODIs scoring 9577 runs averaging 53.5. He also featured in 78 T20Is where he averaged a modest 26.12. In 176 IPL matches, he has 5056 runs averaging 40.77 and is 6th among the leading run-scorers in IPL history.

Chris Morris

Chris Morris
Chris Morris (Image Credit: Twitter)

The most expensive player in IPL auction history will be absent from the T20I World Cup 2021. Chris Morris hasn’t played for South Africa for two years. Chris Morris had last represented the country as a replacement for injured Anrich Nortje in the Cricket World Cup 2019 two years back and the 33-year-old hasn’t been in any contention for a spot despite veterans like Dale Steyn have retired.

Chris Morris has played in 42 One day internationals,23 T20s, and 4 tests in the South African colors taking 48, 34, and 12 wickets respectively.

Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine (Photo Credit: Twitter/ Sunil Narine)
Sunil Narine (Photo Credit: Twitter/ Sunil Narine)

Sunil Narine has been a regular in T20 franchises across the world, however, has not played for the West Indies since 2019. In February he was approached by selectors in relation to being called up to the squad for T20I World Cup 2021 and told them that he wasn’t ready to return to international cricket.

In-form batsman Sherfane Rutherford and spinner Sunil Narine were among a few players not eligible for selection to the World Cup squad after failing fitness standards. Sunil Narine, once the top-ranked spinner in the world, has recently shown versatility at the top of the order as a pinch-hitter and could have been a weapon for the team at the tournament.

Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer / AFP via Getty Images
Jofra Archer / AFP via Getty Images

Jofra Archer’s stress fracture has ruled him out of all cricket for the remainder of 2021. Already a 50-over World Cup winner, Jofra Archer’s pace and lower order hitting make him one of the most sought-after T20 players in the world.

Jofra Archer last played international cricket during the tour of India in March this year. He featured in all five T20Is before being ruled out of the one-day series. Jofra Archer was ruled out of the entire 2021 season following a recurrence of the stress fracture in his elbow. Apart from the ongoing Test series against India, Jofra Archer will also miss The Ashes and the T20I World Cup 2021.

Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir retired from ODIs after the World Cup in England last year. (Reuters Photo)
Imran Tahir retired from ODIs after the World Cup in England last year. (Reuters Photo)

Despite being one of the leading spinners on the T20 circuit, Imran Tahir has been left out of South Africa’s squad for T20 World Cup 2021. Imran Tahir has also said in the press that he hasn’t been contacted by South Africa’s selectors since being told he was in their plans for the competition last year. In March 2019, he announced that he would quit ODI cricket following the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

Imran Tahir was one of the three big omissions alongside Faf du Plessis and Chris Morris from South Africa’s squad for the T20 World Cup to be held in Oman and the UAE from October 17 to November 14. He is South Africa’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is with 61 wickets at an economy rate of 6.56. Imran Tahir last featured in a T20I for South Africa in March 2019.

Yuzvendra Chahal And Kuldeep Yadav

Yuzvendra Chahal & Kuldeep Yadav. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Yuzvendra Chahal & Kuldeep Yadav. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Yuzvendra Chahal’s exclusion from the squad was a big surprise. In the IPL and in international cricket, Yuzvendra Chahal was Virat Kohli’s, go-to man. Virat Kohli decided to stick with the leg spinner when the team management decided to bring an end to the ‘Kul-Cha’ partnership.

Rahul Chahar’s rise in recent times might also have played a role in the more experienced spinner not being picked in the XI. The Mumbai Indians leggie had a brilliant first half of the IPL in India picking up 11 wickets from his first seven games.

The UAE conditions for T20 World Cup 2021 will be helpful for him bagging a few more wickets as well. Along with Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav was also not selected in India’s T20 World Cup squad. The mystery spinner’s confidence is really down in recent times. Despite being with the side in the last two to three years, Kuldeep Yadav has not played consistent cricket.

 

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Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings. Image Credits: Twitter
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IPL 2021: 3 Options To Replace Sam Curran Who Is Unavailable For 1st Match Against Mumbai Indians

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IPL 2021 franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been dealt two blows ahead of the first match of IPL 2021 Phase 2 against Mumbai Indians (MI) which is scheduled on September 19 at UAE. All-rounder Sam Curran is not available while opener Faf Du Plessis is also doubtful with a groin injury. It has raised questions on who will open the innings and who will come in place of Sam Curran. In fact, questions have been raised about what will be CSK’s Playing XI against MI in Dubai.

Sam Curran is guaranteed not to feature in CSK’s Playing XI in the first match. The English bowling all-rounder has arrived in Dubai only on Wednesday morning. Since all players are supposed to serve a mandatory 6-day quarantine upon arrival in UAE, Sam Curran will miss the first match as he can leave quarantine latest by September 21.

Sam Curran for CSK (Photo: Twitter/@IPL)
Sam Curran for CSK (Photo: Twitter/@IPL)

IPL 2021:- 3 Players Who Can Replace Sam Curran In CSK’s Playing 11:-

Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir (Image Credit: Twitter)

Imran Tahir has been playing under talismanic skipper MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings for the last three seasons in the Indian Premier League and wishes to continue doing that in the near future as well. Imran Tahir has been playing under MS Dhoni at CSK since 2018 in the Indian Premier League and wishes to continue playing for CSK in the near future as well. From 2014 to 2016, he was playing for Delhi.

Imran Tahir was bought by Chennai Super Kings in the 2018 IPL auction. The leg-spinner had finished as the highest wicket-taker in the 2019 IPL. Imran Tahir, who has been retained by the franchise, is hoping that they can turn their fortunes around in the IPL 2021 season.

Imran Tahir, who is playing in IPL since 2014 has 82 wickets in 59 games averaging 20.76. He picked 26 wickets in IPL 2019 playing 17 games averaging 16.57 and won the purple cap for being the highest wicket-taker but he played only 3 games in IPL 2020 and picked a solitary wicket and featured in 1 game in IPL 2021 before its postponement and picked 2 scalps.

Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner and MS Dhoni , AFP File Photo
Mitchell Santner and MS Dhoni, AFP File Photo

In the IPL history, Mitchell Santner was picked up for the first time by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2018 IPL auction for INR 50 lakh (same as his base price). The New Zealand cricketer was very excited to participate in the IPL 2018 but he was ruled out from that edition due to a knee injury.

He finally made his IPL debut in the 2019 edition. He played only four matches in that season where the left-arm spinner bagged four wickets. Also, the left-handed batsman scored 32 runs in that season (average 32.00). In 2020, he picked 2 scalps from 2 games.

Since his debut, left-handed batsman and left arm leg spinner Mitchell Santner has been an impressive prospect although he’s had his share of ups and downs in world cricket. He is yet to feature in IPL 2021 as the likes of Moeen Ali has been preferred.

Krishnappa Gowtham

Krishnappa Gowtham
Krishnappa Gowtham (Image Credit: Twitter)

The spin-bowling all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham bagged a staggering INR 9.25 crore contract from Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021. While overseas players like Chris Morris, Kyle Jamieson, and Glenn Maxwell stole headlines bagging contracts of above INR 14 crores, Krishnappa Gowtham became the most expensive uncapped Indian player in the history of the competition.

Rajasthan Royals picked Krishnappa Gowtham for a whopping INR 6.2 crore from his base price of INR 20 lakhs in IPL 2018 auctions. The all-rounder scored 126 runs and took 11 wickets in 2018 where he played 15 games. He played only 7 games in 2019 for Rajasthan and only 2 in 2020 for Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) and didn’t perform that well.

He is yet to play for CSK in IPL 2021 although he debuted for India in the recent white-ball series against Sri Lanka where he played 1 ODI and contracted Covid-19 after being isolated due to being in close contact with Krunal Pandya.

CSK Predicted XI against MI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (c/wk), Dwayne Bravo, Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Imran Tahir

Also In Contention: Ambati Rayudu, Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi

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Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings. Image Credits: Twitter
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It Can Be A Blessing In Disguise For CSK Players Are Not Tired By Playing Too Many International Matches: Gautam Gambhir

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Gautam Gambhir talked about the one advantage MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have over other teams in the UAE leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir believes playing less competitive cricket can be a blessing for players representing the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Gautam Gambhir AFP
Gautam Gambhir Photo Credit: AFP

Gautam Gambhir: It Can Be A Blessing In Disguise For CSK Players Are Not Tired By Playing Too Many International Matches

Gautam Gambhir is an integral part of the recently announced star-studded commentary lineup for the second leg of the IPL 2021. The first half of the cash-rich league played in India was suspended after several cases of Covid-19 were reported inside IPL’s bio-bubble.

The remainder of the 14th season will be contested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 19. Speaking ahead of the mouth-watering clash between CSK and Mumbai Indians (MI) which is billed as the curtain-raiser of the UAE leg, Gautam Gambhir explained how the Yellow Brigade can actually benefit from the players who are not getting a crack at international cricket.

Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings (Image Credit: Twitter)

In the build-up to the UAE leg of IPL 14, the former Indian opener and full-time cricket pundit talked about the one advantage MS Dhoni-led CSK has over other teams in the 2021 edition of domestic cricket’s biggest extravaganza.

“Yes, they have the players who do not play much cricket, but it can be a blessing at times because you don’t have the pressure to play international cricket or making a comeback. They have put themselves in a position that even if they start slightly slowly, it will not make too much of a difference. If they start slowly in one or two matches, you will still be able to qualify for the top four and once you do that, it could be anyone’s game,” Gambhir said.

The 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) can be MS Dhoni’s last one with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) if the charismatic leader of the Yellow Brigade opts to call time on an illustrious T20 career at the age of 40. Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, CSK has secured the 2nd spot in the IPL 2021 after playing seven matches. CSK is only behind table-toppers Delhi Capitals in the current IPL 2021 standings.

Gautam Gambhir: CSK Will Be Confident That They Performed Well In The Difficult Wankhede Ground During India Leg Of IPL 2021

During the India leg of the IPL 2021, MS Dhoni-led CSK capped off an impressive run at the Wankhede Stadium.

“Plus after playing at the Wankhede, if you are going to these conditions, you will be better placed because Wankhede is very difficult ground. They have done something good to be in this position despite having such a squad. They will take that confidence with them,” the former Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals skipper added. 

MS Dhoni (BCCI/IPL)
MS Dhoni (BCCI/IPL)

After a forgetful campaign in IPL 2020, MS Dhoni-led CSK made a spectacular comeback in the 14th season of the cash-rich league. The three-time champions are placed second on the points table with five wins and two defeats from seven matches.

The 14th season of IPL, which was postponed in May this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic across India and bio bubble breaches, will resume on September 19 in Dubai with a blockbuster clash between CSK and MI.

With the ball, Deepak Chahar and Sam Curran were the standout performers while Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaekwad formed perhaps the most consistent opening combination of the IPL. The inclusion of spin all-rounder Moeen Ali infused a new sense of edge to the side and with the bat, the left-hander was aggressive and never allowed any momentum to slip.

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Imran Tahir celebrates the fall of another TKR wicket at the Werner Stadium, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.
Imran Tahir celebrates the fall of another TKR wicket at the Werner Stadium, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.
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Imran Tahir Felt He Deserved More Respect After He Was Axed For 2021 T20I World Cup

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Imran Tahir, South Africa’s leg-spinner has said that he felt he deserved a little more respect from the team management who thought of him as worthless. He also said that since Mark Boucher became the head coach, there was no communication with him on plans for the T20 World Cup.

Imran Tahir was one of the three big omissions alongside Faf du Plessis and Chris Morris from South Africa’s squad for the T20 World Cup to be held in Oman and the UAE from October 17 to November 14.

Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, and Chris Morris
Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, and Chris Morris-Image AP

Imran Tahir Not Feeling Great After Not Being Picked In South Africa’s T20I Squad For 2021 World Cup

Though Imran Tahir retired from ODIs after the 2019 World Cup, he had made himself available for T20Is. He is South Africa’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is with 61 wickets at an economy rate of 6.56. Imran Tahir last featured in a T20I for South Africa in March 2019.

“I am not feeling great that I am not in the squad. Last year Graeme Smith spoke to me and said I want you to play in the World Cup, which was in Australia. I said obviously I am available and excited and honoured because you give me respect. I am ready,” said Tahir in an interview to IOL Sport on Friday.

Temba Bavuma Source: twitter
Temba Bavuma Source: Twitter

“I am working hard and you can see my performances in all these leagues. He said that’s why he wants me. He also said he was going to speak to a few other guys like AB (de Villiers) and Faf (du Plessis). They put me on the Proteas group and everything, but then nobody contacted me,” added Tahir.

“After a few months I texted Smith and Boucher and nobody replied to me. Since Boucher has become coach, he has not contacted me once to tell me what his plans are. It’s really sad man. I served the country for 10 years. I think I deserve a little more respect than these guys thinking I’m worthless.”

The 42-year-old revealed how he tried to reach out to white-ball captain Temba Bavuma, who directed him towards convenor of selectors Victor Mpitsang.

“I spoke to Temba and he said he has a meeting with Boucher the following week. Temba came back to me with a message from Boucher that I must speak to Victor. I again tried to reach him (Mpitsang) and he tried to call me on my WhatsApp number. But he didn’t realize WhatsApp doesn’t work in Dubai. Victor eventually spoke to me and said he will let me know. But then after a couple of months again I heard nothing.”

Imran Tahir said the South African team management hasn’t spoken to him about his future even as he was not picked as part of the 15-member squad for the marquee tournament, starting October 17 in Oman and the UAE. Following the T20 World Cup snub, Imran Tahir has revealed that he hasn’t received a reply from CSA director of cricket Graeme Smith, who wanted the spinner to play the ICC event.

Imran Tahir Wants To Win A World Cup For South Africa

Imran Tahir, currently playing in the Caribbean Premier League, has no plans to retire from international cricket. He is still passionate to represent South Africa in T20Is.

“I want to tell the people of South Africa my story because I played with my heart. Whether people accept me as a South African or not, I am South African. My wife is South African and my family is South African. My child is born in South Africa, so it’s home to me. I have always wanted to win a World Cup for South Africa to say thank you for the opportunity this country has given me, so I am not planning on retiring. I am going to play until 50 if I have to,” concluded Tahir.

Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir (Image Credit: BCCI/ Twitter)

Imran Tahir, who retired from ODI cricket after the World Cup in 2019, said he is not planning to retire from the shortest format of the game, adding his dream is to help South Africa win a World Cup.

Imran Tahir has been playing under MS Dhoni at CSK since 2018 in the Indian Premier League and wishes to continue playing for CSK in the near future as well.  Leg-spinner Imran Tahir had finished as the highest wicket-taker in the 2019 IPL. He has so far picked 35 wickets in 27 matches for CSK in the IPL. He has picked 82 scalps overall in IPL in 59 games averaging a decent 20.76.

South Africa squad for T20 World Cup 2021: Temba Bavuma (c), Keshav Maharaj, Quinton de Kock (wk), Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, W Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.

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