IPL 2021: Match 30 – Strongest Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Predicted Playing XI against Mumbai Indians (MI)

With the second installment of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 round the corner, cricket fans can’t keep calm. The gala tournament will to resume on September 19 (Sunday) with all remaining matches taking place in UAE. The opening clash of the second leg will see Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. With the two sides being powerhouses and sharing a history of rivals, their matches are often termed as the clash of the titans.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will indeed be confident heading into this game as they enjoyed a sensational run in the first half. After suffering a horrendous campaign in the 2020 edition, the MS Dhoni-led side made a stunning comeback. They won one game after another and their position in the team standings narrates the entire story. With five wins in seven games, CSK were second in the team standings at the time of season suspension.

Meanwhile, here’s the predicted Playing XI of Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2021 Match 30:

Openers – Robin Uthappa, Ruturaj Gaikwad

Former South African captain Faf du Plessis was instrumental in CSK’s success in the first half. However, a groin injury is all but likely to keep him away from the MI clash. In his absence, Robin Uthappa is expected to partner Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top. A veteran of 189 IPL games, Uthappa is well versed with the drill, and the team management would want him to do well.

On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who recently became an Indian international, has done a phenomenal job for CSK so far. The right-handed batsman might not have a reputation of a dasher. However, his ability to give good starts can lay a perfect foundation for the middle and lower order.

Middle-order – Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni

Although Raina and Rayudu might not don the India Blue jersey again, they are still a force to reckon with in the yellow gear. Both dashers made their talk in the initial half as CSK won one game after another. Hailed as Mr. IPL, Raina can contribute in all three departments and the same makes him a captain’s delight.

Besides making a mockery of bowlers, Raina can also chip in with handy overs and his fielding skills don’t require any mentioning. As far as Rayudu is concerned, he scored a 27-ball 72 in his last outing against MI. He surely won’t mind replicating his heroics again.

The duo will be followed by none other than skipper MS Dhoni, who’s also the wicketkeeper. Having scored 37 runs in seven games, Dhoni had a tough time with the bat in the initial half. However, his glovework and on-field decisions were précised as ever.

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

Presence of several potent all-rounders allows CSK to try different combinations. For the MI clash, CSK are expected to field as many as three all-rounders. This will just not prolong the team’s batting line-up but will also give MS Dhoni several bowling options. Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja were on a roll in the initial half and Mumbai Indians must beware of them.

The spin-twins bowled economical spells regularly alongside unleashing mayhem with the bat. In absence of Sam Curran, veteran Dwayne Bravo will take the field. The two-time purple cap winner was in fine form during the recently-concluded Caribbean Premier League.

Bowlers – Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood

The last three spots will be occupied by fast bowlers. Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, and Josh Hazlewood will handle the mantle in the pace department and a lot depends upon them. Hazlewood and Chahar can swing the new ball and they’ll trouble MI opener in the initial overs.

On the other hand, Shardul will be more active in the middle and death overs. Not to forget, Thakur and Chahar are more than handy with the bat. Hence, oppositions can’t relax even after taking eight wickets of the CSK team.

CSK’s Predicted XI for match 30 against MI: Robin Uthappa, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c and wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood