IPL 2019 – Match 29: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings – CSK Predicted Playing XI

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have got a massive challenge ahead of them as they take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their next duel. They might have defeated the same opposition in the last game pulling off something of that sorts at all times is not easy. The Super Kings have got their own set of problems heading into this game.

The form of a few players has been a real concern. Despite getting several opportunities, they haven’t been able to get their act together. While a few of them might still feature in the eleven, the management should look to find replacements for the rest. Considering the conditions, there could be some changes to the CSK eleven.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK):

Openers (Sam Billings, Faf du Plessis)

The Chennai Super Kings might have to leave out Shane Watson for this match. The Australian cricketer has got quite a few chances but hasn’t made them count. Sam Billings could thus be roped in and he’ll open the innings. He is usually good at this position and is also an electric fielder.

Faf du Plessis didn’t have a great outing in the last game against the Rajasthan Royals. However, he’s been in good form of late and must be in the eleven. The South African skipper will enjoy batting at the Eden Gardens where the ball comes onto the bat nicely.

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

Suresh Raina is yet to get going in this season. The way he’s played in the last few games has been highly disappointing. The left-hander is hitting the ball well. But he has either gone too aggressive or too defensive. It is important for him to bat with a radical approach and keep the game situation in mind.

MS Dhoni has done really well in the last match. He was the ‘Man of the Match’ and it was great to see him show the intent right from the start. Ambati Rayudu’s batting in the last match is another huge positive for CSK. Kedar Jadhav will continue to be the finisher in the side.

All Rounders (Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner)

Ravindra Jadeja is performing great with the ball and is also finding his groove with the bat. He played a match-winning knock in the last game and is irreplaceable in the CSK set-up at the moment. If he can keep the batsmen quiet in the middle overs, that would be terrific for his team.

The idea of opening the bowling with Mitchell Santner hasn’t really worked. But the left-arm spinner has done exceptionally well in the non-powerplay overs. Ideally, Dhoni might have wanted to pick Harbhajan Singh as he could get more purchase on the Eden Gardens track. But now that he is ruled out, Santner will get another chance. He also adds the depth to the batting line-up and hit the winning runs in the last game.

Bowlers (Deepak Chahar, KM Asif, Imran Tahir)

Deepak Chahar has quickly adapted to his new role in the side. He is bowling two or three overs in the powerplay and the remaining at the death. The pacer is doing quite a fabulous job for his team this way and will be crucial in the next match as well.

Shardul Thakur hasn’t really performed well for the team thus far. Even though he has picked up wickets, the pacer has leaked a lot of runs. Thus, CSK might give another opportunity to KM Asif. He was impressive with the pace in the last season but gave a lot of runs. In the last one year, he’d have got better with his game. Imran Tahir, MS Dhoni’s triumph card, is expected to keep someone like Andre Russell quiet.

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