We bring to you CSK’s probable playing XI against DD at Delhi which will be played on Friday and is the 52nd match of IPL 2018.
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SRH’s back to back losses against CSK and RCB have now given CSK a chance to replace SRH at the top of the points table. CSK would take on DD at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Friday with the aim to topple SRH from the top of the points table.
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Coming fresh off a victory against SRH, CSK have all the prerequisites to clinch the match. When the side is winning, too many changes are not expected. Given that it is CSK’s last match of the league stage and CSK have nothing much to lose, they can try out a couple of players.
OPENERS
Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu has scored most of his runs at the top of the order despite batting at different places. However, the likes of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul have pushed him down in the contention of the Orange cap. He would try to continue with his scoring ways at the top of the order and regain the top spot in the batting charts.
Shane Watson
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Watson notched up a quick fire 50 in the last match and has been batting well up the order. With form on his side, he would like to give CSK a quick start.
Also Read: IPL 2018: 3 things that CSK need to rectify going into the Playoffs
MIDDLE ORDER
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina has found some form towards the business end of the tournament and will continue batting at No. 3 for CSK. The all-time highest run scorer has extended the trend with another 300+ run season.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni would come at No. 4 if CSK do not lose too many wickets early on. In this season, the veteran has shown that once MSD gets a few balls under his belt, he is unstoppable.
Sam Billings/ Faf du Plessis
After playing Sam Billings in the first match, CSK gradually lost faith in the Englishman and tried Faf du Plessis in his place. However, the move didn’t quite work and the team would be looking to persist with Billings for the rest of the season.
However, the only thing that can lead to his nemesis is that he is a little slow to get off the blocks. If CSK get off to a good start, the last thing they would want is to lose momentum in the middle overs. Keeping this in mind, Faf du Plessis can be given a nod ahead of him.
Also Read: WatchMark Wood sings a tribute for CSK teammate Ambati Rayudu
LOWER MIDDLE ORDER
Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo won CSK the opening g match against MI with the bat. However, he is slotted very low in the batting order. Many believe that he has been underutilized by skipper Dhoni and should be sent ahead of Jadeja.
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja was widely criticized for his ordinary performances in the beginning of the season but has picked up as the tournament has moved forward. He bagged the man of the match against RCB and can very lethal if the pitch has anything to offer for the spinners.
SPINNER
Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan has been a revelation for CSK this season. He may not have picked a lot of wickets but has contained the opposition batsmen well and would be CSK’s leading spinner in the lineup.
PACERS
Deepak Chahar
Chahar returned from his hamstring injury in the last match against SRH. As soon as he returned, he had an impact on the match as he ended with figures of 4-16-1 at an economy of 4.00 runs per over. Moreover, the youngster is gifted with the skill of swinging the ball. If the ball wobbles around a bit in Delhi, he has the potential to scalp the famed top order of DD.
Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur has been blowing hot and cold in the season. In the one-off match, he bowls well but goes for runs in another. His biggest problem is that he leaks a lot of runs at the death but he picked up a couple of wickets in the last game.
Lungi Ngidi
Lungi Ngidi has played only 3 matches for CSK but he has been successful in making an impact. From the time that he has returned from his father’s funeral, he has hit his straps running. Ngidi has recovered from a little niggle in all likelihood and will replace David Willey who was scratchy in the match against SRH.
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