Chennai Super Kings predicted XI for IPL 2021

All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali

Ravindra Jadeja has morphed into a reliable lower-order batsman for CSK

Three left-handed all-rounders make up CSK's lower-middle order. Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali and Sam Curran will lend incredible balance and depth to the CSK playing XI.

While Jadeja has morphed into a reliable batsman for CSK and took up finishing duties last year successfully, his bowling will welcome a return to Chepauk. Sam Curran was the star attraction for the team last year, and he'll be keen on going one better by putting in a few Man of the Match performances.

The final all-rounder spot is a toss-up between Moeen Ali and Dwayne Bravo. The former isn't exactly a sureshot starter in the presence of a similiar Indian option in expensive signing Krishnappa Gowtham, but he should get the nod due to his superior batting ability and performances over the years in T20 cricket.

Bravo, on the other hand, has been steadily on the decline. Injuries have ravaged him over the last few years, taking a toll on his pace and aggression, while the runs have steadily dried up as well. The recent development of Shardul Thakur with the bat might also convince captain MS Dhoni that it's time to leave his trusted lieutenant out of the playing XI.

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Bowlers: Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Imran Tahir

Is Shardul Thakur the all-rounder set to come to the fore in IPL 2021?

Shardul Thakur was one of CSK's better performers last season, even though he had only 10 wickets in 9 games at an economy rate of 8.5 to show for. He almost always got the ball to talk, and nailed a few slower balls and wide yorkers at the death.

Thakur should be a regular feature of the CSK playing XI in IPL 2021. After a superb showing in Australia, he will be expected to contribute in both departments. Being an Indian, he will also allow the team to play an overseas bowler or all-rounder.

Deepak Chahar didn't have one of his better campaigns in the IPL last year. While his economy rate of 7.61 was very respectable, he scalped only 12 wickets in the 14 games he played and didn't bowl at any stage of the innings apart from the powerplay. Chahar will eye redemption in IPL 2021, with his place in the team under no real threat.

The final spot in the CSK playing XI will be chosen based on venue. At home, where turn is expected as always, Imran Tahir should get the nod. The veteran leg-spinner is still going strong, and although he was benched for most of IPL 2020, he is one of the team's key players.

Away from Chepauk, CSK are likely to go with Lungi Ngidi. The South African speedster adds a new dimension to the bowling attack with his raw pace, and barring a couple of no-ball-ridden spells last year, has been a solid performer. Josh Hazlewood is another option at CSK's disposal.

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CSK's predicted playing XI for IPL 2021: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Imran Tahir