The 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League will begin with a highly-anticipated match between three-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings and the reigning champions of the league, Mumbai Indians. All fans are keen to know CSK playing XI. CSK and MI faced off two times in the United Arab Emirates last year, both teams winning a match each.
Earlier this year, they crossed paths in Delhi, where MI emerged victorious. Now, CSK will try to avenge that loss and here is their strongest playing XI for this match:
Openers of CSK playing XI: Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad
Faf du Plessis got injured during CPL but CSK are confident that he will be available for the 1st match in the UAE. Hence, it is unlikely that the Super Kings will change their opening pair of du Plessis and Gaikwad.
Middle-Order: Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni (C and WK)
Moeen Ali was a top performer for CSK in the first phase of IPL 2021. He is likely to continue at number three, with experienced Indian batsmen Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni to follow him. Raina will play his first IPL match in UAE after 2014.
All-rounders of CSK playing XI: Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur
CSK are one of the few teams to have three quality Indian all-rounders. Ravindra Jadeja will bat at number six or seven and lead the spin attack. Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur will bat below Jadeja and Dhoni. Also, they will lead the pace attack.
Bowlers: Imran Tahir and Josh Hazlewood
Imran Tahir is likely to play the 1st match because CSK do not have Sam Curran available. Also, Josh Hazlewood may get a game ahead of Lungi Ngidi. Both Tahir and Hazlewood can change the game with their bowling.
Best CSK playing XI for 1st UAE leg match against MI
Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (C and WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Imran Tahir, Josh Hazlewood.
