Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have four wins in 12 league matches of Indian Premier League 2022. The team is already out of the contention for the playoffs and will look to compete well in their remaining two games. They lost to Mumbai Indians (MI) by 5 wickets in their last league fixture.
The batters were disappointing with their performances, barring MS Dhoni. The bowling unit tried hard to defend the score of 97 runs, with Mukesh Choudhary being the pick of the bowlers. In their next league game, they will face Gujarat Titans (GT) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. For this game, they are expected to play with the same set of players.
Here’s a look at the Chennai Super Kings predicted playing XI against GT:
Openers: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway
After the return of Devon Conway, the team has been terrific at the top-order, which has helped them to get a positive start and make full use of the powerplay overs. However, both the batters perished early in their last appearance but would look to continue their good form in this fixture.
Conway has garnered 231 runs in five innings at an average of 57.75 and has been a key force to secure victories for CSK. His recent three scores are read as 0, 87, and 56. Barring the last outing, he has stitched partnerships with the other players to steer the team, which was missing in the first half.
Ruturaj Gaikwad started on an average note, but the return of MS Dhoni at the helm brought confidence in his abilities as well. After scoring 99, he has delivered knocks of 41, 28 and the most recent one being 7.
Middle Order: Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni (c & wk)
The core middle-order did well in the first half for CSK but has slumped in terms of form in the subsequent half. The seasoned campaigner, Robin Uthappa has garnered 230 runs in 12 games, with a top score of 88. He has not troubled the scorers in the last few league matches but would look to regain his form.
Another quality performer, Ambati Rayudu displayed fine grit and consistency to score runs last month but will have to follow the same course as Uthappa to contribute to the team. In 12 matches, Rayudu has 271 runs at an average of 27.10.
Captain MS Dhoni is coming into this game after delivering fine knocks of 36* and 21*, he has been successful to score runs and provide a late flourish this season. He has scored 199 runs at an impressive average of 39.80.
All-rounders: Dwayne Bravo, Moeen Ali and Shivam Dube
This department is likely to play a vital role for the team in the remaining two matches of the tournament. Although the Caribbean all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has not been at his best this season, he still serves as a critical member in crunch moments due to his experience. In 10 matches, he has scalped 16 wickets at an economy of 8.70 but has not got enough opportunity with the bat.
The Englishman Moeen Ali has been average throughout the tournament, but his performances with the ball in the last three league matches have been impressive wherein he has picked up six wickets. Overall, he has 130 runs at an average of 16.25 with the bat.
The southpaw Shivam Dube has 289 runs at an average of 32.11 and a strike rate of 157.92. His top score of 95* came against the Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier in the season. His scores in the recent three innings are read as 10, 32 and 8, which depicts inconsistency.
Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Simarjeet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary
One of the best performing bowling units in the past week of the tournament have been able to put pressure on the batters and take wickets as well. The Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana has picked up 12 wickets in nine matches at an economy of 7.45. Barring a couple of occasions, Theekshana has opened the floodgates of the opposition.
The left-arm pacer Mukesh Choudhary has been a revelation and is the leading wicket-taker for the team with 16 scalps in 11 matches. He has particularly been terrific with his precision in the powerplay overs and has been able to provide breakthroughs with his ability to swing the new ball.
The youngster Simarjeet Singh has been impressive with his pace and bounce in the last few league matches. In his last outing, he delivered a terrific spell and took an important wicket of Rohit Sharma as well. In four appearances, he has picked up three wickets at an economy of 7.83.
CSK’s predicted playing XI for the GT clash: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Dwayne Bravo, Maheesh Theekshana, Simarjeet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary.
0 Comments