IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings' strongest predicted playing XI against Kolkata Knight Riders

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be taking on each other in the 22nd match of the IPL 2024. The match is set to take place at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Both teams would be looking forward to the match which could decide how the points table might pan out for the rest of the league. Notably, CSK and KKR are often considered the most successful teams in the league and have a rich history. However, in the edition of the IPL, they have had a contrasting journey so far.

Both teams won their first two matches and started the tournament on a good note. While KKR continued their momentum and won the third match against DC by a whopping 106 runs after posting a huge total of 272 runs on the board, CSK faltered in their last two matches, ending up on the losing side. Their batters have not stepped up in both matches which have taken place away from their home. CSK have a good record at home and is unbeaten so far.

At the same venue, both teams played the final of the IPL 2012 where KKR chased down the then-highest score in an IPL final. In the IPL 2021, CSK and KKR played the final in Dubai. CSK became only the 2nd team to win the league for the fourth time. Both teams have some of the best players in the world. KKR have some great players like Shreyas Iyer, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, and Mitchell Starc in their arsenal to name a few.

Here's the strongest playing XI of CSK for game 22 of the IPL 2024:

Openers - Ruturaj Gaikwad (C) and Rachin Ravindra

In the opening department, CSK is likely to continue with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra. Gaikwad has not been good with the bat so far. The added responsibility of captaincy seemed to have hampered his form and confidence. The right-handed batter scored a good amount of runs only against GT but has failed in three of the other matches. Against SRH, his captaincy was under question due to debatable decision-making. He would like to improve both as a skipper and as a batter.

Rachin Ravindra had a good start to his IPL career. In the first two matches, the Southpaw scored 37(15) and 46(20) against RCB and GT, respectively. However, he has failed since then scoring 2(12) and 12(9). The star batter needs to be back in form, as CSK need a good start early on in the innings. If necessary, he can be handy with the ball too. The Kiwi batter is exciting to watch and would be hoping to make an impact in the game against KKR.

Also check: IPL Orange Cap 2024: Most Runs in IPL 2024 - CricTracker

Middle Order - Ajinkya Rahane, Sameer Rizvi, and MS Dhoni (WK)

In the middle order, CSK have a mix of youth and experience. Ajinkya Rahane is likely to continue at number 3 despite his recent failures. CSK usually show a lot of faith in the players who have a proven track record and can step up on the big stage. Rahane is one such player who can win matches on his own. It was visible in the IPL 2023 where the veteran batter had a point to prove and emerged victorious.

Sameer Rizvi is likely to be back in the playing XI. The youngster can bat at any position from number 3 to 6. In the match against GT, he was impressive by starting his career with a six against Rashid Khan. However, the right-handed batter was dropped in the game against SRH. Lower down the order, CSK will have the experience of the former legendary skipper, MS Dhoni. The star batter can finish the innings well and be brilliant with the gloves. The talismanic figure has worked on his keeping and batting which has been evidently visible in the way he has played so far. Hence, his form will be crucial for CSK when it comes to finishing the innings on a high. 

All-Rounders - Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, and Ravindra Jadeja

CSK have a plethora of All-Rounders like Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, and so on. While Dube has not yet bowled in the league so far, he can come in handy as he can chip in with a few overs whenever necessary. The star batter has been one of the best batters of CSK in the ongoing season. Besides, CSK recalled Moeen Ali back into the team for their game against SRH. Given the poor form of Daryl Mitchell, he might get dropped. As the match is in Chennai, spinners would be important. That is where Moeen becomes important. He can bat anywhere from opening to number 7. The Southpaw might bat at number 6 for CSK and can later deliver an impactful spell for his side with the ball.

To follow him would be the star allrounder Ravindra Jadeja. Of late, his batting form has become a matter of concern for the defending champions. With the ball, the left-arm orthodox spinner has been at his usual best, controlling the flow of runs. If necessary, he can force the batters to make mistakes and claim wickets in the crucial stages of the match.

Also check: IPL Purple Cap 2024: Most Wickets in IPL 2024 - CricTracker

Bowlers - Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, and Matheesha Pathirana (Impact substitute)

In the bowling department, the home side has a lot of options. Deepak Chahar will continue to operate with the new ball. The right-arm pacer can swing the ball away from the right-handers and can swing back into them as well. To assist him at the other end would be the young bowling sensation of the last edition, Tushar Deshpande. He has a genuine outswinger which can be bowled at over 140 kmph. The right-arm pacer will be handy as the death bowler where he could deliver an over or two. Hence, Deshpande will need to be a bit economical in the fag stages of the game.

Besides, if Mustafizur Rahman is available for the upcoming game, he will walk into XI and bowl during the powerplay and death overs. Else, Maheesh Theekshana might operate in the middle and the death overs. CSK have options like Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Rachin for the middle overs. For the last five overs of the match, Matheesha Pathirana can potentially play the role of a spearhead. The Sri Lankan pacer can nail the lethal yorkers and induce mistakes from the batters. He can operate at a good pace as well which can further make the life of a batter difficult. 

Also check: IPL Points Table 2024 | IPL Standings & Team Rankings (crictracker.com)

CSK Predicted XI:

Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Sameer Rizvi, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (Wk), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman.

Impact substitute - Matheesha Pathirana