Chennai Super Kings, led by new captain Ravindra Jadeja, will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening match of IPL 15 on Saturday and will aim to start their title-saving campaign with a win. Kolkata is also entering this match under the leadership of new captain Shreyas Iyer. The teams of CSK and KKR will be seen in a new avatar this season. Because many old players of the team have joined the other team during the IPL mega auction, while some new players have entered the franchise. In such a situation, the captains of both the teams will have to work hard to land with a balanced playing XI.
On Thursday, two days before the start of the IPL, Dhoni decided to step down from the captaincy of Chennai and Jadeja was made the new captain of CSK. Dhoni, however, will continue to play for Chennai Super Kings. After taking over as captain, Jadeja has said that he has a huge responsibility on his shoulders to carry on Dhoni’s legacy and he would like to keep it up.
CSK Playing XI
For Ravindra Jadeja, big decisions will have to be taken in the first match as a captain. Because the team’s star all-rounder Moeen Ali will not be available for selection for the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, while pacer Deepak Chahar is not yet fit.
Rituraj and Conway will open the innings. Gaikwad is fit and ready to play the first match. Robin Uthappa will bat at number three. Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube will also be seen giving strength to the middle order. All eyes will be on Dwayne Bravo, Jadeja and Dhoni. Adam Milne, Chris Jordan can be found in fast bowling.
KKR Playing XI
Shreyas Iyer-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look to win their third title in the 15th edition of the tournament. It will be interesting to see how cricket plays out under KKR Iyer. The team looks very strong on paper.
Venkatesh Iyer along with experienced Ajinkya Rahane can be seen opening the innings. Nitish Rana and Shreyas Iyer can land at number three and fourth. The team can choose between Sam Billings or Sheldon Jackson. Narine and Russell will be seen in the role of finishers, while Tim Southee will lead the fast bowling. Pat Cummins will be available for selection in the upcoming matches. Shivam Mavi can accompany him. Umesh Yadav can also be a part of the playing XI.
CSK’s Probable Playing XI Against KKR
Devon Conway, Rituraj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dubey, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Adam Milne, Chris Jordan, Rajvardhan Hangargekar/KM Asif/P Solanki
KKR’s Probable Playing XI Against CSK
Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana, Sam Billings (WK), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakravarthy, Umesh Yadav