IPL 2019 – Match 44: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians – CSK Predicted Playing XI

The ‘El Classico’ of the IPL between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) is back again this season. Its been four years now since the Super Kings have hosted Mumbai at their den in Chepauk. However, the hosts haven’t got sweet memories of playing against this opposition at the venue. Since 2010, the ‘Men in Yellow’ haven’t won a single encounter against the arch-rivals in Chennai.

But on the flip side of the coin, MS Dhoni and his men are yet to lose this season while playing at home. With some of the big players back in form, CSK looks to be a very well-balanced side. Also, they will be looking forward to avenging the 37-run defeat earlier this season.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for the Chennai Super Kings:

Openers (Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis)

CSK trusted Shane Watson immensely this season. The skipper MS Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming backed him to the core and he repaid the faith in the last encounter. Although he’s been timing the ball well right throughout, Watson has found the fielders more often than not. But against SRH, there were no half measures in his approach and played an excellent knock.

However, he was unfortunate not to have got to his century. The Australian cricketer will be eyeing for the triple-digits this time though. His partner Faf du Plessis has struggled in the last two matches. Due to Watson and the middle order’s poor form, he was forced to take the backfoot and be watchful. This, however, didn’t work. But with Watson back at his best, the South African skipper will now have the freedom to go after the bowlers.

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

Suresh Raina played a breezy knock in the previous game. He played some delightful strokes and contributed a significant deal to the win. The CSK vice-captain should continue batting this way. But at the same time, he should also look for the big scores as we are reaching the final few games in the league stages.

MS Dhoni didn’t have to step onto the field to bat in the last match. He still seems to have a little issue with his back but is carrying himself well. The wicket-keeper has been CSK’s best batsman this season and will have a massive role to play in the upcoming game. Ambati Rayudu will mostly bat at number four and is putting on handy scores. However, Kedar Jadhav’s form in the middle order is a huge concern.

All Rounders (DJ Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja)

DJ Bravo is back in the playing eleven for CSK and has added a lot of flexibility to the side. His comeback allows the team to try out different combinations depending upon the conditions. In the last two games, he has been good. If he can pick up a few wickets at the death and stop the likes of Hardik Pandya, it will be great for his team.

Ravindra Jadeja is another crucial member of the team, especially while playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. In the last two matches, he hasn’t been at his best and conceded a lot of runs. The southpaw will, howbeit, look to improvise in the next match and pick up a few wickets in the middle overs.

Bowlers (Deepak Chahar, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir)

Deepak Chahar has been excellent for CSK this season. He is providing the team with terrific starts with the ball and has set batsmen up beautifully. Yet again, the hosts will bank a lot of hopes on him to provide the side with a good start in the next game so that they can make the early inroads.

Harbhajan Singh will continue in the eleven for this match as well. The opposition has got quite a few left-handers in the line-up. Thus, the off-spinner will be looking forward to taking some important scalps of the opposition. Imran Tahir will be the other spinner in the bowling attack. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Dhoni opens the bowling with him because of Rohit Sharma’s troubles against leg-spin.

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