CSK vs RCB Combined Playing XI

CSK vs RCB Combined Playing XI: The 2nd Qualifier of the IPL 8 is between two heavy weights of the IPL. CSK and RCB, both have an array of international and Indian stars in their lineup. The Indian Test captain is going against the Indian ODI captain in this explosive encounter. Here’s a look at how a combined playing XI from both the sides will look like. (From the players available for the match & on current form) CSK vs RCB Batsmen– Chris Gayle – RCB: Chris Gayle RCB. (Photo Source: BCCI) The destructive West Indian opener is a game changer. His attacking batting displays have been a key to RCB’s fortunes this season. Chris Gayle has been in good form with some crucial knocks over the course of the season and has the highest number of sixes in the tournament (35) so far. On his day, he can give sleepless nights to even some of the best bowlers. Virat Kohli – RCB: Virat Kohli RCB. (Photo Source: BCCI) Kohli’s form has been crucial to RCB’s march towards the playoffs. While Gayle and ABD have been exploding at the other end with some fine hitting, Kohli has been the rock at the center for the team. His almost dependable displays have strengthened the spine of the RCB batting order. AB de Villiers – RCB: Ab de Villiers RCB. (Photo Source: BCCI) The top 3 players are unsurprisingly from RCB. They all have been in tremendous form. AB can change the game in just a couple of overs and he is arguably the best batsman in the world at the moment. He is also RCB’s leading run scorer with 512 runs in the tournament so far. AB de Villiers can single handedly destroy any opposition on his day and thus makes him the most dangerous batsman in the team. Suresh Raina – CSK: Suresh Raina CSK. (Photo Source: BCCI) Raina has had a disappointing IPL this year. He has always been among the runs for CSK in previous editions. He also leads the overall scoring charts in the IPL with 3671 runs. Suresh Raina is a dangerous batsman and it makes him an invaluable member of the team. He can also bowl a few over which is an added advantage. Mandeep Singh – RCB: Mandeep Singh RCB. (Photo Source: BCCI) Mandeep has impressed everyone in those little chances where he has got to bat. In the last game, the MOM AB de Villiers gave him a ringing endorsement and said that Mandeep was his MOM. That just shows the kind of faith RCB has in the youngster. A high score of 54* was crucial in his last game which helped RCB to knock RR out. Captain& Wicket Keeper – MS Dhoni – CSK: MS Dhoni CSK. (Photo Source: BCCI) Dhoni too has had an underwhelming campaign with the bat, but his leadership qualities and wicket-keeping have been invaluable in CSK’s cause. He has still managed to score a respectable 328 runs so far. Dhoni is a world class finisher and his finishing ability can be priceless in such high stakes games. Bowlers – Dwayne Bravo – CSK: Dwayne Bravo CSK. (Photo Source: BCCI) The purple cap holder has got 23 wickets in this year’s IPL and is an easy selection in this lineup. Bravo has been the chief protagonist with the ball for the CSK. His death bowling has been spot on and has helped CSK in finishing strongly in many games. His batting skills can be handy in tricky situations. Ravichandran Ashwin – CSK: Ravichandran Ashwin CSK. (Photo Source: BCCI) Ashwin’s form has been a big concern for the CSK think tank. He has not been at his best recently but still has managed to pick 9 wickets so far. Ranchi, where the Qualifier 2 is being played is usually a spin friendly track and Ashwin can be the key bowler for the team. Mitchell Starc – RCB: Mitchell Starc RCB. (Photo Source: BCCI) There is no denying the fact that Starc is currently the best bowler in the world. The Man of the Series of the 2015 CWC has had a major impact on RCB’s fortunes since his return to the team. He is their main strike bowler who has picked up crucial wickets at crucial times for the team. Starc will again be the key for RCB to win the game. Yuzvendra Chahal – RCB: Yuzvendra Chahal RCB. (Photo Source: BCCI) He is the leading wicket taker for the RCB and is third in the overall list with 21 scalps to his name. Chahal is the only spinner for the RCB and he has shouldered that responsibility with relative ease. The leggie has a big role to play for the team if they are to qualify for the final. Ashish Nehra – CSK: Ashish Nehra CSK. (Photo Source: BCCI) Nehra’s form has dipped a little from the start of the season. He still remains an important player for CSK and his experience will be invaluable to the team. Nehra has 19 wickets in the tournament so far. CSK will rely heavily on their most experienced bowler in a game of such magnitude. Notable Contenders – Harshal Patel, Faf du Plessis, Pawan Negi, Ishwar Pandey, David Wiese.