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Predicting The Strongest XI Of CSK Without English Players For IPL 2021

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Faf du Plessis and K Gowtham
Photo: BCCI/IPL

BCCI recently announced that the remaining games of IPL 2021 would take place during September-October in UAE. However, it is learnt that English players would not be part of the event. Hence, teams like CSK could struggle. In this article, we take a look at the strongest possible XI for CSK without English players for IPL 2021.

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In the first phase of IPL 2021, Moeen Ali and Sam Curran were some of the better performers for CSK. They added terrific balance to the XI. However, without them, the team will now have to alter their playing XI.

Openers: Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad

The opening combination will remain the same in this XI for CSK without English players for IPL 2021. In the games held in India, one of Faf or Ruturaj used to perform well for CSK. They also did well together in a few matches. In the back end of IPL 2020, the duo also did well in UAE. CSK will hope that this will continue for the second phase of IPL 2021. Anyways, CSK will have backups in the form of Robin Uthappa and N Jagadeesan if required.

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Middle-Order: Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni (C&WK)

Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni
Photo: Suresh Raina/Instagram

The presence of Moeen Ali and Sam Curran ensured a long batting line-up for CSK. Hence, every batsman could be fearless in their approach. Of course, Moeen Ali and Curran also did this job frequently. However, without these two players, CSK will have to rely heavily on their Indian middle-order players.

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Suresh Raina will return to his favourite No.3 spot. He must now produce the performances that he is famous for. Ambati Rayudu showed glimpses of his previous self in the first phase of IPL 2021. He must continue the momentum. MS Dhoni should now contribute more with the bat. He will be under immense pressure to do that.

All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, K Gowtham and Dwayne Bravo

Without Moeen and Sam, Jaddu will have to single-handedly lead this department. His value in the batting line-up will now be more than ever. It would not be a surprise if Dwayne Bravo also moves up a little in the batting order to contribute to the batting unit. CSK highest purchase at the IPL 2021 auctions K Gowtham could feature in the playing XI. With Moeen missing, CSK will need a right-arm off-spin option, and hence KG is likely to play in UAE. He could also be considered for the No.3 role if the management wants to persist with a similar strategy.

Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi and Imran Tahir

Shardul Thakur could have to miss out because CSK will have to include a more reliable bowling option. Since they have the option of utilizing an overseas cricketer, Ngidi could play the rest of the games in IPL 2021. Imran Tahir is likely to get an extended run considering the pitches in UAE could help him. A leggie is anyways needed in the squad. Deepak Chahar will now have extra responsibility since Curran will be unavailable in the powerplay.

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