Everyone will have their eyes on CSK in the upcoming edition of IPL. One of the most successful sides in the competition, CSK had a tough campaign in UAE. The management has made a few changes to prepare a better squad for IPL 2021. The first step in this was releasing some underperforming players back to the auctions. In line with this, CSK released Murali Vijay, Kedar Jadhav, and Piyush Chawla among others recently.
Also, the management has pulled off an interesting trade deal before the auctions. In an all-cash affair, CSK has added veteran batsman Robin Uthappa to its roster from Rajasthan Royals. Robin is an experienced batsman, and his arrival could shake up a few things. Having him in the squad, here is the likely XI for the men-in-yellow for the forthcoming campaign.
Openers: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis
Ruturaj Gaikwad showed why he is rated so highly with his displays in the latter part of last season. He exhibited skill, temperament and calmness, all of which are necessary for CSK at the moment. The Maharashtrian is sure to open the innings for CSK next season. Ruturaj will also be one of the stars of the future for the franchise.
Faf du Plessis is probably the best batsman in this line-up. He needs to face the maximum balls and will therefore walk out as one of the openers. If CSK has to have a good season, Faf must definitely be amongst the highest run-scorers of the campaign.
Middle-Order: Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa and MS Dhoni (C&WK)
While these three could start, CSK could make a few changes to this order. Rayudu is not in great form and wasn’t great in SMAT. Robin showed glimpses of his past and could come into the line-up. N Jagadeesan is also in good knick and could get a few games. Of course, various cries are asking for Jaddu to be promoted up the order. Not to mention, Sam Curran can be used as a floater as well. So, CSK has a lot of options, but it will all be down to how MSD goes about things next season.
All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran and Dwayne Bravo
CSK will boast of one of the best all-round units of the competition. There are three quality all-rounders, and all of them will help MSD to try out more options in 2021. While Jaddu is a certainty, based on his performance in UAE, Curran too will be a starter. Bravo must contribute more with the bat, but if he can be massive with the ball, that would be sufficient. There is Santner as well who can play if necessary. CSK could plan a backup at the auctions with players like K Gowtham and James Neesham available.
Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur and Imran Tahir
Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur will form the core of the fast bowling unit. Both are international cricketers and must perform well to help CSK maintain momentum. While Chahar will work at the start of the innings, Shardul will have to take responsibility of the middle-overs. Based on the pitch, one of the Indian spinners could come in instead of one of these two. Imran Tahir will play as the premier spinner for the team. However, if he is not in form, Lungi Ngidi can arrive, and an Indian spinner will get a chance.
