IPL 2018: How MS Dhoni's men could line-up against the Royals

CSK have announced their comeback to the IPL with two wins in two close encounters against their arch-rivals Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.

But, Chris Gayle's heroics made CSK suffer a loss against Kings XI Punjab.

Due to protests against IPL matches in Chennai, CSK have shifted their home ground to Pune.

Before they play their first home game at Pune on 20th April against Rajasthan Royals, Here's how CSK could line-up against RR on Friday.

Top Order: Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu and Dhruv Shorey

The Top order will feature Openers Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu.

Watson showed his influence in bowling unit by scalping two wickets in the season opener. Watson's medium pace against Mumbai Indians trembled their batting line-up.

In the second game against KKR, he also shined with the bat by scoring 44 runs off just 19 balls which included three fours and three sixes.

Ambati Rayudu was also a standout performer in the second game, He accompanied Watson in giving a perfect start to the men in yellow who were chasing a mammoth total of 203 runs.

Murali Vijay who failed to perform in the last game might be replaced with Dhruv Shorey. Shorey has played at the No.3 position for Delhi team.

In the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy, He played a match-winning knock of 103 runs against Maharashtra.

Middle Order: MS Dhoni and Sam Billings

Sam Billings raising his bat in the game against KKR

Batting at No. 4 will be the captain himself. In the last game, Dhoni silenced the critics who were cursing him for his sloppy innings. While chasing a mammoth target 198 runs, he scored 79 runs off just

Sam Billings played his maiden game for CSK against KKR. He displayed his class by hitting 56 runs off just 23 balls including two fours and five humongous sixes.

He was striking at a rate of 243.48. He now is an integral part of the CSK batting line-up.

All Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo

Ravindra Jadeja celebrates after a wicket

Ravindra Jadeja will be trying to regain his place in the limited overs national side. Jadeja has been able to retain his place Test side but his stocks are reduced after the Champions Trophy.

His performances will be heeded by the selectors. Dhoni is giving him the opportunity to ahead of Bravo to test his finishing skills.

There will be no questions over Dwayne Bravo's participation. Bravo has played an important role in Chennai's first win over Mumbai Indians.

He is the only player in the history of the IPL to score more than 1000 runs and to scalp more than 100 wickets. He contributes equally to the batting as well as bowling department.

Spinners: Harbhajan Singh and Imran Tahir

Tahir played for RPS in the previous season

Harbhajan Singh is an experienced spinner who has played his previous 10 seasons for Mumbai Indians.

His pinch-hitting will be also helpful the Chennai hierarchy in crunch situations. He will be also the player to watch out on the spinning track of the MCA stadium.

Tahir's experience on the pitches of Pune will be worthy for CSK. The Protea Spinner has adapted himself to the Indian tracks.

Last year, Tahir went unsold in the auction but returned as a replacement for injured Ravichandran Ashwin.

He is one of the best leg-spinners in the world. He can bamboozle batsmen with his bag of spin variations and tricks.

Pacers: Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur

Deepak Chahar shined in the opening game

Deepak Chahar has shown his potential by dismissing Evin Lewis in his maiden game for Chennai Super Kings.

He bowled at an economy of 4.67 runs per over against MI. Chahar had failed to perform up to the mark in his stint for Rising Pune Supergiants. His tremendous pace has amazed many batsmen.

Shardul Thakur is a young aspiring who hails from Mumbai. He has cemented his place in the Indian T20I squad after astounding performances in the Nidahas Trophy.

Just like Chahar, Thakur too represented Rising Pune Supergiants in the previous season.

Out of the 11 players in our predicted XI, four players were the part of Rising Pune Supergiants last year. The experience of playing here will be a key factor.

---

Our tournament homepage has IPL live score, Match Analysis, Detailed Stats, Fantasy Tips, Controversies, Match Predictions and much more. Bookmark it now!