IPL 2021: Aakash Chopra picks his ideal playing XIs for CSK vs PBKS match

The 53rd Match of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will see MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) taking on KL Rahul’s Punjab Kings (PBKS). And, ahead of this important encounter, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has picked his ideal playing XIs of both sides for this clash.

Chopra feels that Dwayne Bravo will continue to play for Chennai against Punjab as Sam Curran is ruled out of the tournament. Chopra also added that if the openers are dismissed early, then the CSK batting lineup might face some problems.

The 44-year-old added that ‘Lord’ Shardul Thakur has been sensational in the tournament, and Josh Hazlewood has been a good addition to the CSK bowling attack as well. Chopra also stated that left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja has also been doing a good job for the ‘Men in Yellow’. Chopra did not mention any particular change to be made to the CSK playing XI.

Aakash Chopra picks his ideal PBKS playing XI for the clash against CSK

Aakash Chopra feels that the Punjab opening duo of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal have been in excellent form with the willow, and if both of them are dismissed early, then the Punjab Kings will face problems as the middle order is wobbly.

Chopra is impressed with the likes of Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Ravi Bishnoi for the way they have performed with the ball. Chopra also feels that Harpreet Brar will be useful with his left-arm spin against the likes of MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ambati Rayudu.

The Chennai Super Kings are currently placed at second place in the IPL points table and have won 9 out of their 13 games. The Punjab Kings are occupying 6th place, having emerged victorious in 5 out of their 13 games.

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

Aakash Chopra’s Predicted PBKS Playing XI: KL Rahul (c and wk), Mayank Agarwal, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Shahrukh Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Moises Henriques, Harpreet Brar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh