IPL 2019: CSK's Best XI for the opening match against RCB

The Middle-Order

#3 Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina - The Permanent No 3 for CSK

Suresh Raina has been CSK’s permanent No 3 batsman from time immemorial. This year it should be no different. Raina had a moderate IPL season last year by his standards but still managed to score 445 runs in 15 matches.

He has been out of international cricket for quite some now. It remains to be seen how good Raina’s form is going into the IPL. But he has the vast experience behind him having played the most number of IPL matches than anybody else and is the leading run-scorer in IPL.

As always, Raina should be CSK’s No 3 batsman.

# 4 MS Dhoni (Captain and Wicketkeeper)

MS Dhoni - Captain cool

MS Dhoni has been in scintillating form for Team India both with the bat and the glove. In last year’s IPL, Dhoni averaged 75 with the bat at a strike rate of 150. IPL 2018 was by far Dhoni’s best season as a batsman and one could spot the old version of Dhoni in display.

Dhoni should bat at No 4 in the opening match against RCB.

#5 Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav - Another match-winner for CSK

Kedar Jadhav was unfortunate to miss out almost the entire season of last year’s IPL due to a hamstring injury. But this year he is back to play his first full season for CSK. His presence would certainly bolster CSK’s middle-order with him being a proven match-winner.