IPL 2018: CSK's strongest playing XI for the playoffs
Chennai Super Kings registered their 8th win of IPL 2018, against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and have all but qualified for the playoffs.
CSK, a team that are making a comeback into the IPL after a gap of two years, have relied on the old guns to deliver and this strategy has paid off. The experienced T20 players like Shane Watson, Dwayne Bravo, Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu have come good with some match-winning performances in crunch situations.
Also, the captain himself has been phenomenal this season and has played some scintillating knocks. The bowling though has been a cause of concern for the Super Kings. Dhoni has been critical of CSK's bowling and has asked for more from his bowlers.
CSK will also need to figure out their best playing XI for the playoffs as they have chopped and changed a lot over the course of the tournament so far.
Here, we look at the strongest playing XI for CSK going into the playoffs.
Openers
#1 Shane Watson
Shane Watson is the only player in IPL history to have won the man of the tournament award twice, owing to which he was bought by CSK for 4 crores at the auction. The all-rounder has looked unstoppable this season. In the 12 matches that he has played this year he has scored 424 runs at an average of 35.33 and a strike-rate of 154.74. He has also delivered with the ball, taking 6 wickets. Watson will be crucial for CSK in the playoffs.
#2 Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu has been the surprise package for CSK. The right-hand batsman was given the responsibility of opening the innings, something that he hasn't done that often in his career. However, Rayudu has made the most of the opportunity and has scored 535 runs at an outstanding average of 48.63 in the 12 matches that he has played this season. CSK will want Rayudu to continue his good form in the playoffs as well.