IPL 2018: Match 52, DD vs CSK - Chennai Super Kings Predicted XI

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), like every season, have qualified for the playoffs with two matches still remaining in the league stages. They will face Delhi Daredevils (DD) at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in what is supposed to be a dead rubber. Shreyas Iyer led side has been knocked out of the tournament and the result of this side will be rather inconsequential. Though the Men in Yellow would love to win and seal their position in the top two in order to get two shots at the playing in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

MS Dhoni has been openly critical of his bowlers for not bowling to the field this season. He would love to see them improve their skills in the next couple of matches ahead of the most important phase of the season. But they can’t take the team riding on the performances of the youngsters lightly. The likes of Rishabh Pant, Iyer and Prithvi Shaw have pummeled the best bowlers in the tournament and might be itching to do the same in this game as well.

Here we bring you the predicted XI of CSK for the game against DD:

Openers (Faf du Plessis, Shane Watson)

Faf du Plessis is likely to come back into the contention as the key games are approaching. MS Dhoni might just want to test him once more at the top of the order ahead of the playoffs. He has so far featured only in three matches this season and has not looked up to the mark. But Du Plessis is too good to be benched and his experience will be useful in the knockout matches. It will be interesting to see the way he fares if given the opportunity.

Shane Watson has been the lynchpin of CSK this year contributing consistently and heavily while opening the innings. He will be hoping to continue in the same vein for the rest of the matches and win games single-handedly. He was in good touch against SRH in the last game but his innings was cut short due to a mix-up with his partner. Also, he has been chipping in with few overs which are helping his captain when one of his regular bowlers is having a bad day.

Middle Order (Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c & wk)

Suresh Raina has not looked at his best but has done enough at number 3 this year. Few of his knocks have reminded his fans of the old Raina who was tonking the ball during his prime. With 315 runs to his name in 11 innings, the stylish left-hander has not fully justified his talent but is coming back to his best. The next two matches provide a good opportunity for him to play fearless cricket and find his old groove again.

Ambati Rayudu has been magnificent batting at any position this year and despite scoring a century in his last outing, he might be batting at 4. Having been shuffled too often in the line-up, he wouldn’t mind testing himself at this position. MS Dhoni will be the finisher again for his team and how clinical he’s been! It doesn’t matter if his team is chasing or batting first, the veteran has made it sure that he sees his team through. His captaincy hasn’t affected a bit and has looked keen to get the best out of his troops.

All-Rounders (Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja)

Apart from the tournament opener, Dwayne Bravo hasn’t been required much with the bat. But CSK has banked on him in the death overs and he has not disappointed. it was his variations which tied the batsmen of SRH in the previous encounter who were easily hitting the ball until his introduction into the bowling attack. Though the Caribbean cricketer has not been at his best and Dhoni would like him to resurrect the chinks in his armoury.

There was no clarity over Ravindra Jadeja’s role in the team for most parts of the tournament. But now the left-arm spinner is bowling full quota of overs after his match-winning spell against RCB. He was also given an opportunity to bat up the order but he failed to impress and is now playing in the side for his bowling.

Bowlers (David Willey, Deepak Chahar, Harbhajan Singh, Shardul Thakur)

David Willey has bowled with purpose ever since he has made his debut in the cash-rich league. He has been taking wickets at regular intervals which is important to keep a lid on the run-scoring. Moreover, his left-arm pace bowling is creating an angle against the right-handers who are getting into a tangle while facing them. He should keep his place for the crucial matches going ahead. Deepak Chahar has emerged as the favourite bowler of Dhoni for his control over the new ball and made an immediate impact on his return from injury.

Harbhajan Singh has brought all his experience to the fore during this season and has bowled well. Though he has been taken apart at times, the veteran has responded well in different circumstances. Having been in pressure situations before, Bhajji’s presence in the crunch games is important. Shardul Thakur has improved significantly since the start of the season and should be keen to take his game to a new level ahead of the playoffs and repay the faith showed in him by the captain and the coach.

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