IPL 2021: Match 35 – Strongest Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Predicted Playing XI against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Chennai Super Kings will like to continue their winning run as they gear up to meet Royal Challengers Bangalore in their next fixture in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The encounter takes place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah on Friday (September 24). Both sides have made contrasting starts to the UAE leg which makes CSK firm favourites for this fixture. While RCB are coming off a humiliating nine-wicket defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders, CSK defeated defending champions Mumbai Indians by 20 runs in their last outing.

With the MS Dhoni-led side suffering a batting collapse in the game, it wasn’t really a comprehensive performance. Nonetheless, the triumph would definitely have boosted their morale. It also must be noted that CSK thrashed RCB by 69 runs when these two sides met in the first leg of the competition. Hence, the three-time champions have all the reasons to be confident ahead of this clash.

Meanwhile, here’s the predicted Playing XI of Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2021 Match 35:

Openers – Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad

As mentioned above, most of the CSK batters failed against MI. However, youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad didn’t put his guards down and played an innings of substance. While the opener was watchful at start to stabilize the innings, he unleashed big shots in the end overs. Gaikwad remained unbeaten at 88 off 58 balls, earning the Player of the Match award.

On the contrary, Faf du Plessis couldn’t do much as he bagged a three-ball duck. Nevertheless, the former South African captain has a plethora of experience behind his back. Also, he was in fine form during the recently-concluded Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2021. Hence, CSK would have high hopes from him.

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

CSK’s middle order might concern them heading towards the business end of the tournament. After all, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, and skipper MS Dhoni haven’t played any sort of professional cricket since the season suspension. The trio couldn’t do much during the Mumbai Indians clash as well. While Rayudu got retired hurt without opening his account, Raina and Dhoni scored four and three respectively.

Nevertheless, the three batters are proven stars of this format and would back themselves to shine against RCB. Notably, Rayudu, who was hit on the arm by Adam Milne’s bouncer, has regained match fitness and is likely to feature in the upcoming game.

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

All-rounders have been CSK’s strength over the years and the case is same in the ongoing tournament. In Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo were CSK’s all-rounder during the MI clash and the team management isn’t likely to tweak the combination. Although Ali bagged a duck while batting, he bowled an economical spell.

Speaking of Ravindra Jadeja, the southpaw played a handy 26-run knock to stabilize CSK innings. Bravo was unarguably most impressive of the three as he took three wickets alongside registering an eight-ball 23. Hence, Sam Curran is all but likely to continue warming the benches.

Bowlers – Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood

Fast bowlers will occupy the last three spots in the playing XI. Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, and Josh Hazlewood will handle the mantle in this department and the trio would be confident ahead of this game. After all, they enjoyed a gala time in their last outing.

Chahar, like always, made the new ball talk and dismissed both MI openers. Hazlewood and Thakur also did pretty well, scalping one wicket apiece. It also must be noted that Thakur and Chahar can make handy contributions with the bat as well. Hence, RCB can’t relax down even after getting rid of CSK’s top order.

CSK’s Predicted XI for match 35 against RCB: Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c and wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood