Strongest playing XI for Chennai that can win them another title

After a successful auction ahead of 2022 season, Chennai is now set with a good squad. They managed to get back some of their players from the 2021 season, including Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa, and Deepak Chahar. They also got some new faces that completed their squad. Chennai has an abundance of all-rounders that provide different skills. They have Deepak Chahar, Shivam Dube, Dwayne Pretorius, and Dwayne Bravo among others.

However, they lack options for Indian fast bowlers. They do have a good fast bowling unit, which is dominated by overseas players. Deepak Chahar is their most experienced Indian quick, which can be an issue for them in the future. In case of his absence, Chennai will have to make adjustments to their entire lineup.

Here is a strongest playing XI for Chennai

Top-order

Ruturaj Gaikwad- Gaikwad has proven to be a good opener in the past two seasons. He has done well in the domestic season as well. He was retained by them ahead of the auction, which makes him the top contender to open the innings.

Devon Conway- It has not been long since Conway made his debut for New Zealand, but he has done well to prove his worth. He has established his name in all three formats of the game and has excited everyone with what he can do.

Moeen Ali- Moeen Ali has been around for a few years in the Indian T20 League but only has done well since he joined Chennai. He has performed well at number three for them, but he is a floater and can bat anywhere. Chennai can use him at any position that they like, he can be an opener or finish the innings.

Middle-order

Robin Uthappa- Many thought that Uthappa was out of his time, but the few games that he played last year proved otherwise. He won Chennai some crucial games with one half-century in 4 matches. He also played an important knock of 30 in the final.

Ambati Rayudu- Rayudu has established himself as a seasoned player. He only plays the ITL these days, but makes the most out of what he plays. He is a consistent performer and has been an asset for Chennai. This year too, the team can rely on him.

MS Dhoni- A good captain is equal to two players. This saying absolutely fits for MS Dhoni. He has not been in the best form for some time now, but Chennai plays him purely as a captain. The experience and the guidance that he brings are the most valuable to the team. On top of that, his wicket-keeping is as impactful as ever.

Ravindra Jadeja- Jadeja brings in a genuine all-rounder, that provides all three major skills. He is a finisher with the bat, he gets the team wickets regularly and bowls four overs every match. He also is the most electric player on the field. Jadeja is sure to be in the playing XI.

Lower-order

Shivam Dube- Several people considered Shivam Dube to be the next big thing in India, but the plane never took off. He never made an impact. As Dhoni has done with many players in the past, things can change for him under Dhoni.

Deepak Chahar- Deepak Chahar was a big buy for them at the auction and they paid a huge sum of 14 crores to get him in the team. He is a great bowler in the powerplays and puts the opposition in trouble right at the top. He also is very handy with the bat.

Dwayne Bravo- Chennai showed trust in Bravo when they re-bought him in the auction. He has been a match-winner for them on many occasions and will have to continue doing that. His slower balls have done the trick for him in the past, and he would expect to get a few wickets this time too.

Adam Milne- Having Adam Milne in the team provides them with a great option when it comes to the new ball. He can open the bowling for the team along with Deepak Chahar, and can also be a good option at the death.

Chennai's probable playing XI

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Moeen Ali, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (C & WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Deepak Chahar, Dwayne Bravo, Adam Milne