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Predicting CSK XI If ‘Form’ Is Preferred Over ‘Experience’

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N Jagadeesan and Harishankar Reddy Predicting CSK XI
Photo: N Jagadeesan/Harishankar Reddy

Predicting CSK XI is becoming a tough job, as we get close to the first game of the Indian Premier League. At the auctions, the management did a good job of adding quite a few players with diverse abilities. This has now given MS Dhoni an array of options to consider while framing his playing XI.

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In the past, predicting CSK XI was easier to predict as MSD and the coaches used to follow a set pattern. They used to back the players who had already proved their skills. The franchise also used to incline more towards players with experience rather than youth. However, after a dismal show at IPL 2020, the strategy could have changed. Now, if they prefer ‘current form’ as the selection criteria over ‘experience’, here’s how the men-in-yellow could line up.

Openers: Faf du Plessis and C Hari Nishaanth

Although Faf du Plessis has not done much in recent days, you can consider him to be in good form. It has just been around six months that IPL 2020 concluded. The South African was brilliant in that campaign. Hence, he will play in this XI. C Hari Nishaanth has been doing well in TNPL and for his state team in the domestic competitions. Therefore, he comes into this squad as the other opener.

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Middle-Order: N Jagadeesan (WK) and Robin Uthappa

Predicting CSK XI without MS Dhoni has forever been an impossible task. However, here, we are forced to go with this option. MSD didn’t look good in IPL 2020, and lack of game-time could come down on him. Instead, we have N Jagadeesan, who has been a top run-scorer in recent domestic events. So is Robin Uthappa, who did well for Kerala in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The duo comprises the middle-order of this XI.

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All-Rounders: Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja (C) and Sam Curran

Ravindra Jadeja Predicting CSK XI
Photo: Ravindra Jadeja/Instagram

Yes, there is no consistency, but yet, Moeen Ali looks to be in good touch. While he is picking wickets often, he is also doing a destructive job with the bat, at times. While he comes in at No.5, we have Ravindra Jadeja after him. Jaddu will also captain this squad because of his experience. At IPL 2021, he would be CSK’s most important player. Sam Curran was good in the final game of the ODI series against India, and for the same reason, he features in this XI.

Bowlers: Shardul Thakur, R Sai Kishore, Lungi Ngidi and M Harishankar Reddy

Shardul Thakur has been performing well for Team India, both with bat and ball, in recent months. M Harishankar Reddy is our pick to start as the other domestic pacer. He has done well in the recent competitions to earn this spot. R Sai Kishore is likely to have his breakthrough season in IPL 2021. He is a good T20 spinner, with the ability to bowl in the power play and the middle-overs. As the overseas option, we have South African pacer Lungi Ngidi. While he has looked out of sorts for his country, it should be noted that he has actually done well in a few domestic games in his country.