IPL 2018, Match 5: Chennai Super Kings predicted playing XI to take on the Kolkata Knight Riders
Chennai Super Kings made a comeback into the Indian Premier League after a gap of two years with a stunning victory against the defending champions Mumbai Indians in the very first match of the tournament.
While getting off to a winning start is great for the Chennai team, Dhoni's side weren't at their very best in the first game as it was more of a Dwayne Bravo-show rather than an all-round victory, as the Caribbean all-rounder single-handedly took his team over the line with a stunning performance with both bat and ball.
Chennai managed a victory from the jaws of defeat and would be looking at some changes for the second game to improve their performance. Kedhar Jadhav also suffered an injury in the match and Chennai might have to make a forced change in this case.
#1 Openers: Murali Vijay and Shane Watson
Ambati Rayudu played the first match as the opener along with Shane Watson and while he shouldn't be judged by his performance in that match, it is important for the team that they have Rayudu in the middle order. Jadhav has been ruled out of IPL 2018 and Rayudu will be the team's most important player in the middle.
Murali Vijay will be the best replacement for the injured Jadhav as he would relieve Rayudu of the burden of opening the innings. Vijay is also a player who has played majority of his cricket on Chepauk, which makes him a great addition to the side.
Watson is a definite choice in the Playing XI and he will open the innings along with Vijay, if Faf du Plessis is fit. If Faf is unfit, Dhoni might go for Sam Billings and Watson might have to drop down the order to accommodate Billings at the top.