IPL 2021: Final– Strongest Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Predicted Playing XI against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Chennai Super Kings are one step away from clinching their fourth Indian Premier League (IPL) title. The Men in Yellow will meet Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday (October 15). After enduring a horrendous campaign last season, CSK bounced back and won one game after another.

Although three successive defeats in the league stage seemed to have dented their campaign, a thrilling four-wicket win against Delhi Capitals in Qualifier 1 took CSK to the ninth IPL final. Having been at the important clash so many times, MS Dhoni’s men must be confident. However, they don’t have pleasant memories with KKR in the summit clash. The two sides met in the IPL 2012 final and Kolkata walked away with a five-wicket triumph.

Nevertheless, CSK have done well this season and would be determined to settle the scores with the Kolkata-based side. Notably, Chennai defeated KKR twice in the league stage this season.

Meanwhile, here’s the predicted Playing XI of Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2021 Final:

Openers – Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad

The openers should be credited for changing CSK’s fortunes this season. Both Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad scored heavily at the top and took Chennai to one win after another. The former South African opener has been a prolific performer for CSK over the years. Hence, his tally of 547 runs this season didn’t take many by surprise.

However, Ruturaj Gaikwad became a hot property with his blitzes over the 22 yards. The youngster scored runs consistently and that too at a brilliant pace. He’s also 24 runs away from overtaking KL Rahul’s tally of 626 runs and bagging the orange cap.

Middle-order – Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni

With Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni enduring a difficult season with the bat, CSK’s middle-order looked pretty fragile a few days back. However, Robin Uthappa, who replaced Raina in the playing XI, slammed a match-winning fifty in his last outing and is all set to feature in the final.

Dhoni must also have gained a lot of confidence after taking CSK over the line in Qualifier 1. The CSK skipper slammed 18 off 6 balls and took his side home. As far as Rayudu is concerned, the veteran batter has played some substantial knocks this season and would like to shine in the final clash. This means Raina is set to warm the benches again.

All-rounders – Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo

Besides openers, the all-rounders should also be credited for CSK’s successful campaign. In Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, CSK have three quality players who can deliver in all three departments. The trio lived up to the expectations as CSK won one game after another. Ali and Jadeja have been chipping in with their fiery cameos alongside bowling economical overs.

Not to forget, Jadeja is also one of the finest fielders going around. Coming to Dwayne Bravo, the West Indies pacer has been Dhoni’s go-to man in the death overs. He can pick up crucial wickets while keeping the scoring rate down. He’s also pretty handy with the bat in hand.

Bowlers – Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood

The last three spots will be occupied by pacers who’ll be determined to do well. While Chahar bowled some spectacular spells in the first half, he hasn’t been at this best in the UAE leg. However, he has frequently been taking wickets in the initial overs. On the other hand, Josh Hazlewood has also been among the wickets.

However, he doesn’t have many variations in his armoury and the same has seen him going for runs. Shardul Thakur has to be the most impressive of the three. Mostly bowling in the middle and death overs, the pacer has been pretty economical alongside being among the wickets.

CSK’s Predicted XI for Qualifier 1 against DC: Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa, MS Dhoni (c and wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood