IPL 2019 – Match 12: Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals – CSK Predicted Playing XI

The defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by MS Dhoni, have had a great start to the new edition of the IPL. They are one of the two teams who are yet to be beaten in the tournament and has pulled off clinical performances in both the games they played. Their next confrontation will be against the Rajasthan Royals at home.

The Chepauk pitch shocked the entire world in the first game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. There was a shocking amount of spin on offer. Even though it might not be that way for the next match, there will still be a good amount of turn. Chennai has got quite a few spinners in its eleven and will look to adding a few more of them. MS Dhoni is someone who wouldn’t mind bowling all 20 overs of spin, for, he is a terrific captain of spin bowling.

Here is the predicted playing XI for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK):

Openers (Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu)

While Ambati Rayudu did well in the first game, it was Shane Watson’s turn to deliver in the second. Both these men look to be in good touch. But it will be important for them to fire together to put the team in a good position. If there is some turn on the pitch, Rayudu will be a vital cog in CSK’s plans.

Watson should look to play his natural game and attack the bowlers. The Australian did well in the recently concluded BBL and PSL. However, he might not bowl much this season keeping the injury woes in mind. He was the ‘Man of the Match’ in the last game against the Delhi Capitals.

Middle Order (Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (c)(wk), Kedar Jadhav)

Suresh Raina, the leading run-scorer in the IPL, has got off to good starts in both the games thus far. However, he failed to dig in and play a big knock. The left-hander is striking the ball quite well. He should aim for a big score in the next game. For the number four spot, it could be a juggle between MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav.

Depending on the situation, either of them can walk out to bat. The way these two played in the last game causes a slight concern amongst the fans. Both of them played very slow knocks and had their tough moments. Agreed the pitch was tough to bat but they weren’t at complete ease. The fans will like to see them play big knocks in the next match.

All Rounders (DJ Bravo, Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja)

DJ Bravo is an integral part of the CSK eleven. He bowls really well at the death and can also play aggressive cameos with the bat. The all-rounder was the game-changer for CSK in the last game against the Delhi Capitals. Bravo will have two southpaws to assist him in the all-rounder’s department.

Mitchell Santner could be making his debut as the Chennai track is apt for the spinners. He is more than useful with the bat and can score some quick runs. Ravindra Jadeja will be the other player in this department. Even though both of them bowl left-arm spin, they have got different styles and are quite different.

Bowlers (Deepak Chahar, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir)

Deepak Chahar has been one of the most consistent pacers for CSK. He bowls his four overs straight at the top and is very economical in the powerplay. He even picks up a wicket or two and can bat if there is a requirement. Since Mitchell Santner comes into the eleven, Shardul Thakur has to be dropped.

Shardul is quite expensive most of the times and didn’t even bowl in the tournament opener. Harbhajan Singh and Imran Tahir will enjoy bowling in Chennai, just like they did in the previous game here at this venue. Tahir is in some terrific form and will have a big role to play.

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