Predicting A Second-String CSK XI For IPL 2021
Before every season, we see plenty of articles running around with the core point of a predicted or a strong CSK XI. The management of Chennai Super Kings ensures that it always gives ample options to MS Dhoni so that he can be flexible with his strategies over a season. Hence, there is always a topic of debate regarding the likely playing XI of the franchise.
For IPL 2021, CSK has plenty of options that cover all the areas of the squad. The depth is so much that we can make two XI's out of the CSK roster. In this article, we talk about a second-string CSK XI just to understand the bench-strength of the unit.
Openers: C Hari Nishaanth and Ruturaj Gaikwad
MS Dhoni likes to have experience in his squad, and hence, we could see him opt for Faf du Plessis and Robin Uthappa for the initial games. If that happens, we will have C Hari Nishaanth and Ruturaj Gaikwad on the bench. While Hari is in good form, Ruturaj is enduring a lean patch. Nevertheless, the Maharashtrian batsman has experience of playing in high-pressure situations, and he might still make it to the playing XI.
Middle-Order: Cheteshwar Pujara (C), Ambati Rayudu and N Jagadeesan (WK)
Going to CHErish this smile 😍! #Bujji #WhistlePodu #Yellove 💛🦁 pic.twitter.com/lw70YngY3l
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 28, 2021
CSK surprisingly made the move to procure Cheteshwar Pujara at the IPL 2021 Auctions. From last season, it was clear that the franchise required a young batsman who is fearless in his approach. However, Pujara is slightly the opposite, and yet, CSK bid for him.
Ambati Rayudu was one of the better performers for CSK last season. However, since then, the Andhra cricketer has been in a lean patch. Hence, CSK might go for Moeen Ali in his place and play a domestic pacer or a spinner in the XI.
N Jagadeesan is actually the best in-form domestic batsman in the squad. However, unfortunately, he might struggle to make it to the XI. He will keep wickets for this CSK XI.
All-Rounders: Mitchell Santner, K Gowtham and Dwayne Bravo
With Ravindra Jadeja in the XI, CSK may not afford to have Santner also in the squad. They are similar players, and hence, the Kiwi will have to be on the bench. The costliest signing at the recent auctions, if you look at the strongest XI, K Gowtham may not feature in it. Hence, he will also be part of this XI. If CSK has to play Imran Tahir, one of Dwayne Bravo or Sam Curran will be dropped. Based on the current form, the West Indian is likely to the unlucky one.
Bowlers: Karn Sharma, Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi
With Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar in the squad, CSK will not be forced to play an overseas pacer. Hence, we could see a strong CSK XI even without Hazlewood and Ngidi. Therefore, the duo will be part of the second-string unit. On the other hand, while the likes of Piyush Chawla and Harbhajan Singh got the pink-slip, CSK retained Karn Sharma. He is the only domestic leg-spin option in the squad. Since Imran Tahir will do the role in the likely playing XI, Karn drops to the bench.