IPL 2021: Aakash Chopra picks his CSK and MI playing XIs

The second leg of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will commence on 19th September 2021 with a mega clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI). And, former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra has picked his ideal playing XI of both sides for the match while speaking on his YouTube channel.

According to Chopra, Faf du Plessis will open the batting for the CSK side if he is fit, alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad. The middle-order will be occupied by England cricketer Moeen Ali, Indian left-hander Suresh Raina, and right-hander Ambati Rayudu. Skipper MS Dhoni will walk in at No.6 for the ‘Yellow Brigade’.

Akash Chopra also picked 2 all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo as well. The three bowlers who will take the field for the three-time IPL champions according to Chopra are Josh Hazlewood, Deepak Chahar, and Shardul Thakur.

Aakash Chopra picks his ideal Mumbai Indians XI for the opening match of IPL Phase 2

According to Chopra, Rohit Sharma will open the batting for the Mumbai Indians alongside Quinton De Kock. Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and Hardik Pandya will occupy the No.3, No.4, and No.5 positions respectively. The No.6 and No.7 spots will be occupied by Kieron Pollard and Krunal Pandya.

Aakash Chopra picked a three-pronged pace attack for the Mumbai side, and the three pacers who will take the field are Adam Milne, Jasprit Bumrah, and Trent Boult. The specialist spinner who will play for the Mumbai side in their opening match is Rahul Chahar.

As things stand at the moment, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are placed at second place in the points table having won 5 out of their 7 matches, while the Mumbai Indians are occupying the 4th spot in the table, having emerged triumphant in 4 out of their 7 games.

Aakash Chopra’s Predicted CSK Playing XI: Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c and wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Josh Hazlewood, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar

Aakash Chopra’s Predicted MI Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton De Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Adam Milne, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah