IPL 2021: CSK's Playing XI Comprising Only Indian Players
The Indian contingent of an IPL XI is remarkably critical. Although the foreigners can win you games, for the team to be consistent, the Indians must be at the top of their game. Hence, on many occasions, we see franchises focussing and investing densely in domestic players, who even may not have experience, as well.
Chennai Super Kings is built on the strategy of having seven qualified Indians, one or two constant foreign imports and the other two who can be moved around. This has worked well, and for IPL 2021, too, the strategy remains the same. This is despite the fact that the team did not do well last season.
In fact, there is so much domestic depth that if the franchise decides to field eleven Indian players also, there is a competent squad on paper. We look at this XI in the article.
Openers: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Robin Uthappa
Ruturaj Gaikwad finished IPL 2020 on a high note. Although, since then, the Maharashtrian has not had a good time with the bat, CSK will still back him for the initial games. That said, it may not be a surprise if the man in red hot form, N Jagadeesan replaces him altogether from the first encounter. As for the other slot, it will firmly belong to Robin Uthappa, who is finding form at the sunset of his vocation.
Backups: N Jagadeesan and C Hari Nishaanth
Middle-Order: Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni (C&WK)
You can not ask for a better middle-order if the team can play only Indians. Suresh Raina at No.3 has done well for both India and CSK and will be crucial for his franchise yet again. Ambati Rayudu was one of the better batsmen for CSK last season. Yes, the domestic from might not be great, but the experience he offers is incredible. The captain of the squad, MS Dhoni is a sure selection at No.5. MSD must be good with his batting skills for CSK to make it to the playoffs. If needed, there is Pujara, who can also come into the XI.
Backups: Cheteshwar Pujara
All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja and K Gowtham
CSK is known for its strategy to include as many all-rounders as possible in the XI. Ravindra Jadeja is the best India has at the moment, and hence, he is our man at No.6. The newest recruit K Gowtham also has a good name in the domestic circuit. He can provide three to four overs of off-spin and can be destructive with the bat at the end.
Backups: R Sai Kishore
Bowlers: Karn Sharma, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur and KM Asif
There is both experience and inexperience in this department. This is where the strength of the unit lies. Karn Sharma is a veteran in the domestic circuit. He also has plenty of IPL experience. He will be the team's lead spinner. In the pace department, we have India internationals Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur. We also have KM Asif, the left-arm pacer from Kerala. He adds variety to the line-up.
Backups: K Bhagath Varma and M Harisankar Reddy