IPL 2022: Match 11 – Predicted Chennai Super Kings Playing XI vs Punjab Kings

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) did not get off to a good start in the IPL 2022 as they have lost both the games played so far. The defending champions haven’t been able to defend in the past two games and the newly appointed skipper Ravindra Jadeja will have to create a winning formation.

The top order gave CSK a brilliant start in the previous game, and the middle order was no less. All the batters’ combined efforts helped CSK score 210 runs. But, it is their bowling unit that is under major problem right now. Jadeja was unable to get clarity on whom to bring in for which over and that is what cost them last time. They will now look to get back to the winning ways and stand up to everyone’s expectations.

Here’s the Predicted Playing XI for Chennai Super Kings against Punjab Kings:

Openers: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Robin Uthappa

Though Ruturaj Gaikwad is yet to get into his groove, Robin Uthappa has been on fire recently. He proved that CSK’s decision to buy him back this season was not wrong. A quick 28(21) in the first game and 50(27) in the second proved to be a crucial knock for the team.

Gaikwad has been backed by his team since the day he joined the camp, and he will continue to receive that support. He has proved his worth at a time when no other player could perform. He also scored the most runs to proudly hold the Orange Cap last season. The duo, once in form, can give CSK a dream start.

Middle-order: Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ambati Rayudu

A powerful performance by all three players helped CSK anchor their innings in the middle. Moeen’s 35 in 22, Rayudu’s 27 in 20, and Dube’s magnificent 30-ball 49 helped CSK after their top order was dismissed. Moeen joined the camp in the previous game and was off to a good start. Rayudu is one of the core players of the team, and his power-hitting helped the team a lot in the previous game. The confidence in his shots proves beneficial to not just him, but the whole team.

Shivam Dube was the mystery man in the previous game. He almost got a half-century and was the boost CSK required after losing their top players in the game. But he leaked runs with both hands with the ball.

All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Dwayne Bravo

Skipper Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni, just like in the first two games, will hold the game tight in the middle. Jadeja’s form has been questioned, but he is a dependable player. He might take time to balance out his captaincy and his game, but it is a surety that he will be there with the bat and the ball for the team.

MS Dhoni needs no introduction. After all the questions raised about him leaving the captaincy and losing his form, he made a massive comeback with the bat. A half-century in the first game and an unbeaten 6-ball 16 in the second game gave CSK what they needed. His form can’t be questioned anymore, and there’s a hope that he will continue playing the same game in the future.

Dwayne Bravo’s heroics with the bat and the ball will play a vital role in the game. He is the leading wicket-taker in the history of IPL and will take his game upward.

Bowlers: Dwaine Pretorius, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Chris Jordan

CSK called in Dwaine Pretorius in their last game, and he managed to dismiss both the openers to give the team their much-needed breakthrough. If he could do it then, he can do it again. His focus will be on picking up the crucial wickets when in need.

The India U-19 star Hangargekar and pacer Chris Jordan can be roped in to replace Mukesh Choudhary and Tushar Deshpande, who proved to be expensive in the first game. The two conceded 79 runs combined in the game, which, if repeated, will put the team into deep trouble.

Hangargekar can bowl at a speed of 140+ kmph and can be seen as a replacement for Deepak Chahar for the time being. He is also a power-hitter and can finish the game for the team during the chase if needed. Jordan is a death-over specialist and his tactics will be much required under pressure.