IPL 2022: Chennai Super Kings Predicted Playing XI Against Kolkata Knight Riders

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches, the discussion around the expected starting line-ups of each and every team is taking center stage. After a careful examination of all the players and franchises, here is the finest predicted playing XI of one of the favorites, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

The Chennai Super Kings, under the tutelage of MS Dhoni, has been one of the most reliable teams in the history of the IPL. When fans look at the team’s success over the years, we can see that one of the key reasons for their incredible steadiness has been the team culture, confidence in players, and minimal changes and adjustments.

This edition appears to be the same but of course with a new skipper, Ravindra Jadeja. CSK have re-invested in the majority of their former roster. Their policy of pursuing tried-and-tested players appears to have taken center-stage once more. Although a few promising players were not kept, they were replaced with players that were at least as excellent as, if not better than, those who were present.

Given the team’s current roster, we will look at the strongest anticipated playing XI for CSK. Notably, the four-time champions will kick-start their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the opening clash of March 26 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Here’s the predicted Playing XI of Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2022 Match 1

Openers – Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway

CSK had one of the strongest opening combos in IPL 2021, with Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad. As Faf du Plessis has joined RCB, CSK have added Devon Conway to their squad. In terms of attitude, the Kiwi opener resembles Faf du Plessis. He knows how to build an innings, and can hit with power when it is needed. Conway appears to be a great alternative for Faf du Plessis, and under Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni’s supervision, he should do great.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, one of India’s new stars, will be there to assist Conway. In the past few years, the 2021 IPL Orange Cap holder has received plaudits in all forms of cricket.

Middle Order – Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (WK)

The Chennai side seems to have the same middle-order as the final of the IPL 2021. The pillars in the middle include Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, and MS Dhoni. In the middle-order, Uthappa and Rayudu had performed admirably for CSK. Even if they are past their peak, there is no harm in continuing to work with them. Meanwhile, former skipper MS Dhoni will serve as a link among the finishers and the lower order once more.

All-Rounders – Ravindra Jadeja (C), Shivam Dube, Mitchell Santner, Dwayne Bravo

While new captain Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, and Dwayne Bravo are CSK’s same set of all-rounders, Shivam Dube is a new entrant. Jadeja is a utility player. As Moeen Ali is out for the first fixture, Mitchell Santner could be a suitable alternative in the CSK line-up. Santner can be classified as a middle-order batter and is a fantastic bowler too. Bravo, on the other hand, is excellent with the ball. All three are significant members of the team and can execute their key roles with success.

Bowlers – Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Adam Milne

When it comes to the bowlers, CSK’s roster has undergone the greatest changes. While Josh Hazlewood, Shardul Thakur, and Deepak Chahar managed the bowling positions in 2021, Shardul Thakur and Josh Hazlewood are absent from the 2022 team.

CSK now have Adam Milne’s tempo.  They also have Chris Jordan and Dwaine Pretorious, but Adam Milne is likely to start as CSK’s first-choice pacer, as he is more reliable and lethal than the other guys. Till Deepak is available, Rajvardhan Hangargekar can serve the team.

CSK’s Predicted Playing XI for KKR clash: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (WK), Ravindra Jadeja (C), Shivam Dube, Mitchell Santner, Dwayne Bravo, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Adam Milne