IPL 2019: CSK's strongest playing XI, in the absence of Ngidi, to face RCB 

Spinner: Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir is a bundle of energy for CSK

Due to Jadeja's presence in the team, CSK will want to hold off Mitchell Santner, the Kiwi all-rounder and this means an opportunity for Imran Tahir to weave his magic. The Proteas isn't a part of South Africa's last 2 T20Is and will be available for selection for CSK before the match versus RCB.

Tahir has been in top form ahead of this season and has picked up wickets at will for South Africa. On a track which supports spinners a lot and two overseas pacers already in the lineup, CSK will want to play Tahir and get the most out of him.

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Fast Bowlers: Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur

Thakur was a bit expensive but managed to pick up wickets last season

Picking their fast bowlers will be CSK's biggest conundrum ahead of the first game.

They have three quality Indian pacers in Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur and returning hero Mohit Sharma who they signed for ₹5 crore at the auction.

Out of the three, Deepak Chahar picks himself as he's a wizard with the new ball and can scalp a few early wickets and needs to be there in Ngidi's absence.

Out of Mohit and Thakur, CSK should go with Thakur because he was very impressive with the ball last season and was CSK's best bowler last season picking up 16 wickets and beating the likes of Jadeja and Bravo. Also, Thakur has more pace and will be able to bowl more effectively at the death than Mohit.

Though Mohit can be a good differential under Dhoni, he isn't quick enough and the ball will just sit up waiting to be hit if he errs very slightly with the length and it's best that CSK go with their two stars from last season for this match.