Following their worst performance in the history of the IPL in 2020, the Chennai Super Kings, led by MS Dhoni, have made a strong comeback in 2021. At the midway point, they are in second place, having won five of their seven games.
The lack of English players in the second half of the IPL 2021 will have an impact on the Chennai Super Kings. Moeen Ali and Sam Curran were regulars in the CSK playing XI and were instrumental in the team’s triumph. Given the distinct roles that both cricketers played for the team, it will be nearly hard for the management to locate suitable successors.
1. Openers: Faf du Plessis & Ruturaj Gaikwad
In all of CSK’s IPL 2021 matches so far, Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad have opened. They did an excellent job in terms of performance. CSK’s highest run-scorer is Faf, who has 320 runs with a strike rate of 146. With 196 runs with a strike rate of 129, Ruturaj Gaikwad isn’t far behind.
Both players have similar playing styles and take their time before accelerating. Both, though, are quite effective. Expect CSK to stay with the same lineup now that they’re in good form and producing good results. That means Robin Uthappa’s adventure will have to be postponed once more.
2. Middle-order: Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu & MS Dhoni
Considering Moeen Ali’s performance as a floater at number 3, CSK will keep playing the offensive all-rounder at number 3. Suresh Raina will be relieved of some of his responsibilities as a result of this. Raina, Ambati Rayudu, and MS Dhoni will follow Moeen at 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively, strengthening CSK’s middle-order. While this is unquestionably strong, MS Dhoni must ensure that his top batters have adequate game time before the vital Knockout games.
MS Dhoni’s performance would also be vital for the squad. Dhoni was brilliant in 2018 and 2019, but his form has dipped since 2020, which is concerning. MS has only managed to score 37 runs in four innings so far in IPL 2021.
3. All-rounders: Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran & Dwayne Bravo
The Chennai Super Kings may be the only club with four excellent all-rounders in their starting lineup. Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and Dwayne Bravo, two spin-bowling and pace-bowling all-rounders making the CSK lower-order the strongest of all the teams.
Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar are both excellent with the bat as well. Jadeja, Moeen, Bravo, and Curran are excellent bowling options that provide a nice diversity.
4. Bowlers: Shardul Thakur & Deepak Chahar
CSK’s top bowlers, Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar are also Team India’s chosen pacers in the team. Both are really important for CSK.
