IPL 2021: Chennai Super Kings updated squad for UAE leg

Chennai Super Kings are without a doubt one of the stronger teams in the Indian Premier League. Well, if a team has qualified for knockout stages in all seasons except one, being strong is an understatement. However, after a shortfall in the 2020 season in the UAE, Chennai Super Kings came back looking like a much better side altogether. 

Their 2021 season started with a seven-wicket loss against Delhi Capitals on April 10 and fans might have had their doubts. However, not for the first time in the tournament’s history, CSK turned the tables around and in quite some style. MS Dhoni and his men went on to win five consecutive matches after their initial loss. 

Moeen Ali, Dwayne Bravo, Faf du Plessis, Sam Curran, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, each and every player stepped up when the team needed them as the yellow brigade won those five games. They defeated Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

Chennai Super Kings’ start in the IPL 2021 first leg to help them in the second leg

However, just before the tournament was postponed, CSK met their arch-rivals Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Chennai batted first and scored 218 runs, but those runs were successfully chased by Mumbai, courtesy of a blistering knock from the West Indian superstar Kieron Pollard. 

With that loss, Chennai Super Kings stood at the second position on the points table at the start of the second leg. They have won five and lost two out of their seven matches so far. Now, going into the second leg, CSK would need at least three wins to secure themselves a place in the playoffs, but even winning two matches could give them a spot. 

What goes in their favor is the fact that they won’t be missing any of their players from the first leg. Faf du Plessis has a bit of an injury scare, because of which he could miss a few matches. However, the South African is expected to be back in the XI after the first couple of matches. 

Chennai Super Kings updated squad for IPL 2021 second leg: 

MS Dhoni (C and WK), Suresh Raina Narayan Jagadeesabn, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KM Asif, Karn Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, Deepak Chahar, Faf du Plessis, Shardul Thakur, Mitchell Santner, Dwayne Bravo, Lungi Ngidi, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Imran Tahir, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, K Gowtham, Cheteshwar Pujara, M.Harisankar Reddy, K.Bhagath Varma, C Hari Nishaanth, R Sai Kishore, Josh Hazlewood