IPL 2021: Aakash Chopra picks ideal CSK Playing 11

CSK Playing 11 : IPL 2021 will begin on April 9 in Chennai with Mumbai Indians taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore. The CSK team will start their campaign against Delhi Capitals in Mumbai on April 10. In the last season, the team could not qualify for the playoffs and fans have kept their hopes high for this season. In the auction this year, the team picked uncapped players like Hari Nishanth, Bhagath Verma, Harishankar Reddy. The other uncapped player who was recruited is Krishnappa Gowtham who is an experienced campaigner in the domestic circuit and has played many matches in IPL and was the net bowler for the Indian team against England series.

Related: RCB newest recruit Finn Allen steals the show in NZ vs BAN 3rd T20I

CSK Playing 11 

The cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra has predicted his ideal Playing 11 for the CSK team in IPL 2021. The former KKR player did not include Robin Uthappa in his Playing 11.

“With Ruturaj Gaikwad, will be Faf du Plessis, I will have him at the top. Then Ambati Rayudu at No.3, Raina at No.4 and Dhoni at No.5. That’s ideal actually, if you keep him at No.5, then you can keep Jaddu at No.6. I think this top six is perfect,” said Chopra.

The all-rounder Sam Curran was picked due to his good form against India.

“After that you can keep Sam Curran at No.7. Now you have got seeds of flexibility as you have batting till No.7,” added Chopra.

“Then you play four proper bowlers in which you play one spinner for sure. So, Karn Sharma could be that spinner if you play a wrist-spinner,” said Chopra.

The Australia bowler Josh Hazlewood pulled out of the IPL today and Ngidi will be unavailable for the first game.

“Shardul and Deepak will be No.9 and No.10. You should definitely play Josh Hazlewood, he is imperative, he has to be a part of this side. This could be the makeup of this team although you might be seeing more Indians and less overseas. So, they can actually play around a little bit,” observed Chopra.

The other players like Moeen Ali and Krishnappa Gowtham are also coming into the season with a good match-practice in the India-England Series and Vijay Hazare Trophy respectively.

“Moeen Ali and Krishnappa Gowthan might not be seen playing all the matches in the initial few grounds. This is a possibility as I don’t see a place in the top six because if you include Moeen Ali in the top six, whom will you push down the order. I don’t like the idea of Moeen at No.6 and Jaddu at No.7,” concluded Chopra.

Related: Shikhar Dhawan Dance with Yuzvendra Chahal wife Dhanashree

3 Players who can replace Josh Hazlewood in IPL 2021 

Billy Stanlake– The Australian speedster performed well in the BBL and has been a consistent wicket-taker in the Australian domestic as well. In the past, he has played for RCB and SRH in IPL2017 and 2018 respectively.

Sean Abbott– The bowling all-rounder has been one of the best performers in the Australian domestic circuit and can turn out to be the best replacement for the CSK team.

M McClenaghan– The New Zealand pacer had been a brilliant performer for Mumbai Indians until 2019. Looking at his experience, he can also be picked by the CSK team management.

For more IPL 2021 news, click here