The 29th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 will see the four-time champions Chennai Super Kings take centre stage against the Aiden Markram-led Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 21. The hosts are coming into the game on the back of a win against Royal Challengers Bangalore while Hyderabad would be keen to get back to winning ways following a loss to Mumbai Indians.
It will be interesting to see what lineup the MS Dhoni-led side fields in the forthcoming game against Hyderabad. Following an excellent performance with the bat, the four-time champions are expected to go make minimal changes.
Here’s Chennai Super Kings’ predicted XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad:
Openers: Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad
Devon Conway has picked up form and has been consistently amassing runs for Chennai Super Kings at the top of the order. With 181 runs in five matches and a fabulous knock of 83 runs in the previous game, Conway is be expected to put in yet another performance when Chennai takes on Hyderabad.
On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad would be coming into the game on the back of consecutive poor showings. The 26-year-old got off to a fabulous start in the tournament, however, with just 11 runs in his last two games, Gaikwad would be keen to improve his form and provide a good start with the bat to the four-time champions.
Middle-order: Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (c & wk)
With 129 runs in three IPL matches so far, Ajinkya Rahane has been an integral part of Chennai’s campaign in the ongoing tournament. The experienced campaigner scored 37 runs in 20 balls in his previous game against RCB, and the side would hope for a similar performance from him in the forthcoming match.
Shivam Dube was excellent for Chennai in their previous assignment; the Indian batter scored a brilliant half-century, amassing 52 runs in 27 deliveries against RCB, and the 29-year-old would look to build upon his knock in the upcoming games.
Skipper MS Dhoni has been influential for the team over the years, and the same has been the case at the IPL 2023 as well. Despite not getting too many chance to bat, Dhoni will be an integral part of Chennai’s batting lineup due to his magnificent finishing abilities and leadership.
All-rounders: Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwaine Pretorius
Moeen Ali scored an unbeaten 19 off nine balls against RCB and even took a wicket. Hiss performance could prove to be crucial for Chennai against Hyderabad. Furthermore, with one of the best all-rounders in world cricket, Ravindra Jadeja, Chennai’s squad have a boost down the order. Proficient with both the bat and the ball, and 39 runs, six wickets in five IPL matches, Jadeja would look to impress in the upcoming game as well.
Dwaine Pretorius could be one change that Chennai might look to make in their lineup for the upcoming match. Having played just one match in the tournament so far, the all-rounder would be keen on making an impact, given that he is included in the lineup.
Bowlers: Matheesha Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Singh
Talking about the bowling attack, Matheesha Pathirana could be expected to feature once again. The 20-year-old struck twice in Chennai’s last game against Bangalore, conceding 42 runs in the process. The youngster would like to provide some important breakthroughs for the four-time champions in the upcoming game.
Tushar Deshpande was the highest wicket-taker for Chennai in their previous game. The Indian pacer took three wickets in the four overs he bowled, however, he conceded 45 runs in the process. Despite his economy, Deshpande would be expected in the starting XI due to his ability to take crucial wickets.
Akash Singh, one of the most exciting prospects of the IPL 2023, would look to make an impact for Chennai in their forthcoming game. Coming in as an Impact Player in the previous game, the 20-year-old dismissed Virat Kohli, which was his only wicket of the game.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Probable XI:
Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Dwaine Pretorius, Matheesha Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Singh
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) probable Impact Players:
Ambati Rayudu, Shaik Rasheed, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Subhranshu Senapati, Prashant Solanki