IPL 2021: 3 possible overseas combinations for Chennai Super Kings

2. Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo

One of MSD's favorites, Dwayne Bravo has been rather uneconomical in recent times. Bravo's batting has been on the decline as well. But Dhoni trusts Bravo's accuracy and experience with the ball at the death, which makes him likely to feature in many games.

The Caribbean all-rounder, if slotted in the playing XI, is most likely to replace Imran Tahir. In addition to bowling at the death, Bravo will be tasked with a few middle-overs as well. He might be particularly effective on the two-paced pitches since he is a master of pace variations.

With Bravo replacing Tahir, the side will be a little light on the spin department, so this combination is most likely to feature on surfaces that do not offer much help for the spinners.

Probable Playing XI: Faf du Plessis, Robin Uthappa, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur, Dwayne Bravo, Deepak Chahar

3. Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Imran Tahir, Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi

One combination CSK management might want to try out is using two Indian openers to accommodate an extra overseas pacer. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Robin Uthappa are both very much in form and hence this idea certainly warrants consideration.

The addition of the extra overseas pacer will add some speed to their bowling attack, which would otherwise comprise those who rely more on swing and variations.

With Josh Hazelwood pulling out of the tournament, Lungi Ngidi remains their lone overseas pacer, at least until the former's replacement is announced. Ngidi had a memorable season back in 2018 for CSK, where he starred with the ball in powerplays as well as in the death overs.

With Moeen, Sam, Tahir and Ngidi in the starting XI, CSK could afford to drop a batsman, given the depth they would have in their batting lineup.

Probable Playing XI: Ruturaj Gaekwad, Robin Uthappa, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Imran Tahir, Lungi Ngidi