After a minor glitch against Mumbai Indians, CSK are back on a roll and have climbed to the top of the IPL 2018 points table once again. Coming fresh off a victory against Delhi Daredevils, Chennai would look to further consolidate their top spot.
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CSK, who do not like to tinker too much with their playing XI, have had to shuffle their players a bit due to injury issues and the unavailability of some overseas players. Now, with the team almost settled with their playing combination, not more than a couple of changes are expected.
Openers
CSK sent a new opening pair of Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson in their fixture against DD. While Watson went all guns blazing from the outset and bagged the ‘MoM’ for his explosive 78 run knock, du Plessis struggled to get going on the other end and barely managed a run a ball 33.
Watson would rightfully retain his spot, whereas du Plessis may have to sit out this one for Sam Billings. Ambati Rayudu who has been sensational for CSK this season would in all probability see another batting order rejig to be back at the top of the order.
Middle order
Suresh Raina who has been blowing hot and cold this season and has a couple of good knocks against his name amid a few failures will as always take guard at one down.
MS Dhoni has been playing around with his spot quite a bit but if CSK get off to a good start the platform is set to go big, he will certainly come in ahead of Sam Billings who will follow him at NO. 5.
No matter how queer it may appear but going by Dhoni words in a recent post match presentation, Ravindra Jadeja will come in at NO. 6 just before Dwayne Bravo. Jadeja and Bravo also give CSK at least 6 overs between themselves.
Spinner
Veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh would be the sole spinner to find a place in the side. Notwithstanding lack to wickets, Bhajji has been bowling well in the last two matches and has been very economical for Chennai.
Pacers
Given the bouncy and pacy nature of the Eden Garden Pitch at Kolkata, Karn Sharma way make way for Shardul Thakur to present them with an added quick bowling option.
After a hamstring injury to Deepak Chahar which would reportedly keep the 25-year-old out of action for 2 weeks, KM Asif got a game against Delhi. He impressed first up with his pace and bounce but ended up going for plenty. That being said, it would be unfair on his part to be dropped after just one game and we see him being given a longer rope.
South African pacer Lungi Ngidi who lately returned from his father’s funeral had a great IPL debut. He ended up with figures of 4-26-1 in what was a high scoring game and would retain his place in the playing XI.
