IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings strongest predicted playing XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be up against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 18th match of the IPL 2024. Both sides are on the back of a loss in their last match as SRH lost to Gujarat Titans by seven wickets, while CSK lost to Delhi Capitals by 20 runs. While the loss would have affected their morale, both the teams would not be worried as both CSK and SRH have good teams with many exceptional players.

CSK have have won two of their three games and are third on the points table with four points and a net run rate of +0.976. Both their wins have come at home and they would be aiming to win their first away game. On the other hand, SRH are at sixth position in the points table with two points and a net run rate of +0.204 as they have played three matches and lost two. 

Their only win was a historic one as they smashed a record-breaking 277 runs against MI. They have some of the best players in the world like Travis Head, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. CSK too has some of the best players in the world in their lineup such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja. 

Click Here: SRH vs CSK Live Score, March 18

Here is the probable playing XI for CSK for the match against SRH in IPL 2024, Match 18: 

Openers - Ruturaj Gaikwad (C) and Rachin Ravindra 

Ruturaj Gaikwad will open the innings along with Rachin Ravindra. The CSK skipper has not been able to fire with the bat like he did in 2021 or 2023. The star batter would be hoping to perform against SRH to gain some confidence, which is necessary going into the latter half of the tournament. His form is crucial for CSK and for himself as he would be looking to book a spot in the T20 World Cup squad of India.

Rachin Ravindra played well in the first two matches, however, he was poor with the bat against DC. He could not counter the swing of Ishant Sharma and Khaleel Ahmed. The southpaw would be hoping to make the most of the Hyderabad track, which is known to be a good batting surface. If necessary, he can also bowl an over or two. CSK would love him to score runs in aggressive way.

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Middle Order - Ajinkya Rahane, Sameer Rizvi, MS Dhoni

CSK have a lot of options and versatility in the middle order. Someone like Moeen Ali is not a starter in the team. CSK are likely to continue with Ajinkya Rahane at No. 3. The star batter did well in the last season and the management would be hoping to see him replicate that the ongoing season.

CSK also have a young talent like Sameer Rizvi who showed promise in his debut game. The youngster smashed a world-class bowler like Rashid Khan for a six to start his IPL career as a batter. He is likely to bat at No. 6 despite not having a good game against DC. 

Lower down the order, CSK have MS Dhoni, who had a good outing against DC The experienced batter smashed 37*(16) in a losing cause. While one might think he bats a bit low, it is probably the right call from CSK. Dhoni has been brilliant with the gloves as well. 

Also Check: SRH vs CSK Dream11 Prediction

All-Rounders - Shivam Dube, Daryl Mitchell, and Ravindra Jadeja

CSK have a bit of concern at No. 4 as Daryl Mitchell has not been at his best with the bat. The Kiwi batter was brilliant in the ODI World Cup 2023 and CSK paid him a huge sum to get in the lineup. In the three matches so far, Mitchell has lacked intent. The game against SRH might be a blessing in disguise given how the wicket of Hyderabad was in the game between MI and SRH. 

Shivam Dube is another all-rounder who can bat well and also bowl a bit. The star player has been on a roll since 2022 and has won the team a lot of matches. The southpaw can attack pacers and spinners well and played a brilliant knock against GT. In the spin department, CSK have Ravindra Jadeja who can bat lower down the order. The star cricketer is also a brilliant fielder and can trap some of the best batters in the world. His batting form has been a concern for a long time despite stepping up in big matches.

Also Check: SRH vs CSK MPL Opinio Today's Prediction - Who will win?

Bowlers - Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Choudhary and Matheesha Pathirana (Impact substitute)

CSK are set to miss Mustafizur Rahman against SRH due to his visa issues. His replacement is likely to be Mukesh Choudhary who almost comes as a like-for-like replacement. The left-arm pacer can swing the ball into the right-handers with good pace. To take the new ball with him, CSK has the reliable Deepak Chahar. Though he was smashed by Prithvi Shaw and David Warner in the last game, Chahar can be trusted to make a comeback.

In addition to this, CSK have Tushar Deshpande, who can be the first-change bowler. Given that he can operate at a pace of over 140 kmph, it would be good to use him in the middle-overs. With Jadeja at the other end, CSK can continue to use Matheesha Pathirana as the impact player. The right-arm pacer with his deadly yorkers can threaten the best batters in the world. He would be crucial for CSK in the last four overs of the game. Tushar might have to bowl at the death in the absence of Mustafizur.

Also Check: Purple Cap in IPL 2024 - Most Wickets

IPL 2024: CSK' Probable Playing XI against SRH, Match 18

Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Sameer Rizvi, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (WK), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Chowdhary, 

Impact substitute - Matheesha Pathirana