IPL 2022: Match 22 - Predicted Chennai Super Kings Playing XI vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Defending Champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are having an awful time at the IPL 2022. The Yellow Army, having lost all four matches played so far, is placed at the bottom of the table. New skipper Ravindra Jadeja has not yet been able to carry forward the legacy left behind by former skipper MS Dhoni.

Except for their contest against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), which was a close encounter, the defending champions have not been able to give a worthy fight in the game. CSK lost their first match against KKR by six wickets, followed by a disaster against the Punjab Kings where they were cleaned up for 126 runs while chasing 180. Then they faced a defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets in their recent assignment.

Here’s the Predicted Playing XI for Chennai Super Kings against Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Openers: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Robin Uthappa

After being the highest-run scorer in the previous edition, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has struggled with the bat so far. Gaikwad has the highest score of 16 runs in this season, which came against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Apart from that, Gaikwad has failed to even get into double-digits so far. The right-handed batter will want to improve his performance in the upcoming match against RCB.

Robin Uthappa is looking good for the defending champions. A quick 28 off 21 balls in the first game and 50 off 27 balls in the second proved to be a crucial knock for his team. However, the 36-year-old has not been at his best in the previous two matches.

Middle-order: Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ambati Rayudu

In order to get the first points on the board, CSK needs to have a strong middle-order that can take the game to the next level. And all three players in the lineup have the ability to do so. Moeen Ali’s 48 (35) in the previous game was a good show, but not enough.

Ambati Rayudu and Shivam Dube have been doing well, but they will have to put up consistent performances in the tournament to rise from the last spot on the table. Both of them have smashed some powerful shots in the game, but they will have to maintain that form in all games now onwards.

All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Dwayne Bravo

These three players have been associated with CSK for a very long time. They know what their team requires, and they know how to study the conditions prevailing. Ravindra Jadeja is going through the captaincy pressure, which is visible in his performance. But he will have to overcome that to balance his duties.

MS Dhoni, since he has left the captaincy, has been seen in a different form. He has been playing more freely and hitting the big shots that everyone had been anticipating for such a long time. Bravo will have to lead the bowling department and make his experience count. He will have to play the finishing role if given the chance to take the innings to a good finish.

Bowlers: Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Chris Jordan, Maheesh Theekshana

It is time that the U-19-star Rajvardhan Hangargekar is given his due with the ball. CSK have given a lot of new faces an opportunity to showcase their talent, and the young lad will be one such. With CSK still missing out on Deepak Chahar, Hangargekar could possibly be the right fit at the moment.

Chris Jordan is new to the side, having played just two matches. He performed well against Punjab Kings, picking two wickets and assisting MS Dhoni in a run-out. He does his job well and can take crucial wickets in the game. Maheesh Theekshana can prove useful in the powerplay and can help in getting those vital wickets in the first six overs of the game, giving CSK a good chance in the game.

Chennai Super Kings Predicted Playing XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja (C), MS Dhoni (WK), Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Chris Jordan, Maheesh Theekshana