Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have some major decisions to make in their first-choice playing XI for IPL 2021 after a less-than-ideal season last year when they failed to make it to the playoffs for the first time ever.

CSK have a strong squad for IPL 2021 with the additions of Moeen Ali, Krishnappa Gowtham and an in-form Robin Uthappa at the top of the order. With Shane Watson retiring and Kedar Jadhav released, there are a few open slots in the CSK playing XI for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League.

Major changes we could see

CSK might finally be ready for an overhaul to their tactics given the depth of all-rounders in the squad for this season. Faf du Plessis and Dwayne Bravo have been part of the franchise for several years, but the time might finally have come to move on from them to newer options to suit the team dynamic. The form of domestic batsmen will also likely give them the confidence to bank more on them this season.

Narayan Jagadeesan, who had a bumper season in the Syed Mushtaq Ali 2021 tournament, could be in contention for a place in the XI this season after giving a glimpse of his talent in the UAE edition last year. Moeen Ali and Krishnappa Gowtham were bought for big money at the auction and could slot into the XI straightaway. Ruturaj Gaikwad impressed last year with three back-to-back fifties and will be eyed as an opening option.

Cheteshwar Pujara, who earned a round of applause after being sold in the auction, would find it tough to squeeze into the starting XI. Likewise, Uthappa will be in contention with Ambati Rayudu for a place in the XI.

CSK squad for IPL 2021

MS Dhoni (captain & wicketkeeper), Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo, Ambati Rayudu, KM Asif, Deepak Chahar, Faf du Plessis, Karn Sharma, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Santner, Cheteshwar Pujara, M Harisankar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Imran Tahir, N Jagadeesan, Shardul Thakur, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, Krishnappa Gowtham, K Bhagath Varma, C Hari Nishaanth, Sam Curran, Josh Hazlewood, R Sai Kishore.

Chennai Super Kings likely first-choice playing XI

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi

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