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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Dolphins, Match 8, CLT20 2014: CSK’s likely XI

It will be important match for both the teams as both lost their first game.

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Dwayne Smith © IANS
Dwayne Smith can cause some serious damage at the top of the order © IANS

As Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to take South African champions Dolphins in their second match of the Champion’s League (CLT20) 2014, Sandipan Banerjee finds out CSK’s likely XI for this match.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be taking on Dolphins of South Africa in a crucial encounter of Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) 2014 at Bengaluru. It will be important match for both the teams as both lost their first game. Here is CSK’s likely XI for the match:  

Dwayne Smith: He was the most consistent batsman for the franchise in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2014. He can cause some serious damage at the top of the order and he was second in the list of the highest run-getters in IPL 2014 with 566 runs. Smith can also trouble the batsmen with his medium pace in these subcontinent wickets.

Brendon McCullum: He is arguably one of the devastating batsmen at the top of the order. He too was a new recruit for this side like Smith. Although he won’t be seen behind the stumps but his reflexes on the field are commendable and he will be playing in his favourite ground.

Suresh Raina: The left-handed batsman had a good England tour recently and he is one of the most vital members of this CSK squad. Ever since the first season, he hasn’t missed a single game for CSK. He is also one of the highest run-getters in IPL and as well as in CLT20. Raina is electric on the field and his positive approach keeps the fielders up on their toes. He can come in handy with his off-spinners as well.

Faf Du Plessis: He is one of the key players in this side as he can hold the middle-order together if there’s a collapse on the top. He is in the form of his life after South Africa’s tour to Zimbabwe and the recently-concluded triangular series- Du Plessis will be one of the players to watch out for in this edition of CLT20.

 

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Dwayne Bravo: He could not lend his service during the IPL 2014 because of an injury but he is back in the squad for the CLT20 2014. His all-round abilities make him one of Dhoni’s favourite choices among the overseas players. In the last game he made an useful contribution for the team.

MS Dhoni (c &wk): Time and again he has proved himself both with the bat and his leading abilities. He likes to lead from the front and his exceptional quality of keeping his cool in crunch situations makes him one of the finest leaders in the world. His last innings against Kolkata Knight Riders again showed how much damage he can make with bat at the depth overs.

Ravindra Jadeja: Jadeja has been one of Dhoni’s key weapons. He is the go to man whenever Dhoni needs a wicket. Jadeja runs through his overs very quickly even before the batsmen can realise. He can play some brisk innings in the death overs as well.

Ravichandran Ashwin: Ashwin has also been donning the yellow jersey ever since the first edition of the IPL and he is also arguably one of the best bowlers in the shortest format of the game. The wickets are to favour the spinners likely so it will be treat to watch him bowl.

Ishwar Pandey: Pandey was one of the bowlers that Dhoni relied on during the IPL 2014 and his figures were economical. He is one bowler who can generate lateral movements off the pitch.

Ashish Nehra: Currently Nehra is CSK best pacer. His four crucial wicket in the last match proved his capabilities once again. He can swing the ball both ways and he has troubled many batsmen in the past. But his economy will be an issue to think about.

Mohit Sharma: Mohit was the owner of the purple cap in IPL 2014. He has this knack of picking up wickets and if he’s taken on by the batsmen at the start of the innings, he can make for it at the death overs. Over 40 per cent of his deliveries are slower ones and he can be very deceptive with this particular weapon.

Complete coverage of Champions League T20 (CLT20) 2014 here 

(Sandipan Banerjee is a reporter at CricketCountry. Cricket has been the biggest passion for him since his childhood. So, when it came to choosing his career, he chose to turn his passion into his profession. Apart from cricket he likes mountain trekking, river rafting and photography. His twitter handle is @im_sandipan)

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