Chennai Super Kings Preview – Indian Premier League 2021
The 14th edition of Indian Premier League will begin from 9th April in India. After reaching their lowest ebb in last year’s competition, Chennai Super Kings will be looking for redemption in the coming season.
After a long hiatus, Captain MS Dhoni will be looking to do well in this year’s competition. Since the start of the Indian Premier League, Chennai performed poorly and finished seventh in the league table with 12 points to their name.
Chennai Super Kings have lifted the coveted IPL trophy on three occasions in 2010, 2011 and 2018.
They also are the only franchise to make it to the finals on eight occasions. Chennai Super Kings have been runners-up on four occasions (2008, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2019).
Chennai Super Kings retained Captain MS Dhoni, Faf du Plessis, Sam Curran, Dwayne Bravo, Mitchell Santner, Suresh Raina and Ravendra Jadeja for the coming season. The franchise did not throw any surprises in 2021 IPL auction as they clearly went for experienced players and picked up guys like Krishnappa Gowtham, Cheteshwar Pujara and Moeen Ali.
All-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham turned out to be Chennai’s biggest acquisition as he was picked up for Rs 9.25 crore during 2021 IPL Auction.
Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu are three premier players in the batting department. Former Indian batsman, Suresh Raina has been bankable performer for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. The left-handed batsman has shown decent form in domestic circuit and would be keen to deliver his absolute best for Chennai in the coming season.
Despite a disappointing campaign last year, Faf du Plessis was the standout performer in the batting department. He finished the competition as the leading run-scorer for Chennai Super Kings. Former South African captain accumulated 449 runs in 13 innings at an average of 40.81 with a strike rate of 140.75, which includes four half-centuries to his name.
Chennai Super Kings have top-quality all-rounders at their disposal with Ravendra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Krishnappa Gowtham and Dwayne Bravo included in the squad for the 14th edition of the league.
Ravindra Jadeja will be looking to start well after being on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury. All-rounder will be looking to contribute with bat and ball in the coming season of Indian Premier League.
Chennai Super Kings team management have also picked players who have a credible experience at the international stage.
Players to watch out for
After having an outstanding season for Indian national cricket team, Pace bowler Shardul Thakur will be looking to excellent form with the ball in hand in the 14th edition of league. Thakur had a decent outing with the ball for Chennai last season and picked up 10 wickets in nine matches at an economy of 8.50. He will be looking to make crucial breakthroughs with the new-ball for Chennai Super Kings.
Experienced middle-order, Suresh Raina has been a lynchpin in Chennai’s star-studded batting lineup. Left-hander missed last year’s competition due to personal reasons. Left-hander would be looking to deliver notable scores for Chennai in the coming season.
Chennai Super Kings
Likely XI: Ruturaj Gaekwad, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Moeen Ali, Faf Du Plessis, MS Dhoni (captain and wk), Ravendra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Karn Sharma/ Lungi Ngidi.
