IPL 2019, CSK vs KXIP: 3 changes that CSK could make to get back to winning ways

It is going to be a battle between the two Kings in the Indian Premier League as the yellow army is all set to face Kings XI Punjab in Chennai on Saturday. Chennai Super Kings are coming into the match after their first loss of the season but they wouldn't be bothered much about it. Punjab is coming on the back of an unbelievable win against Delhi, where they had almost lost the match but took seven wickets for eight runs to get the two points. Chennai will have to make a couple of changes as they will be playing in a completely different pitch than they played at Wankhede. Also, Dwayne Bravo has managed to injure himself and they will have to look for a suitable replacement. Let us have a look at three changes MS Dhoni could make to get his team back to winning ways:-

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#3. Faf Du Plessis for Ambati Rayudu

Faf Du Plessis could strengthen CSK's batting line up (picture courtesy- BCCI/iplt20.com)

Ambati Rayudu hasn't performed to expectations and he is unlikely to get a spot for the World Cup team. His highest score in his last 10 games across formats is 29 and he has registered four single-digit scores in the same span of time. The 33-year-old has struggled big time against the pacers and looked uncomfortable against high-quality fast bowling.

Rayudu hasn't performed against spin either and has not looked confident on the field. With this kind of poor scores, he might have to sit out and make way for Faf Du Plessis. The South African Captain has six fifties in his last 10 innings and also successfully converted, one of those into a century. He came into the IPL in great touch and with Rayudu failing to give his team the required starts, Faf should open the batting for the defending champions.

#2. Dhruv Shorey in place of Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo is out for two weeks (picture courtesy-BCCI/iplt20.com)

Dhruv Shorey may make his way into the team after Dwayne Bravo's injury. With the inclusion of Faf in the team, the slot for foreign players will be full and the Delhi lad is a reliable batsman who can play in the middle order. He had a decent season in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and his last few scores were good enough to get him a spot in the playing XI in the match for CSK.

The best part about this player is that he can also bowl a few overs of spin which gives the team an added advantage as he can make up for Bravo' overs. Shorey seems a likely option and with Bravo sitting out for two weeks, he could use this opportunity to make the spot of his own and feature in the playing XI permanently.

#1. Mitchell Santner in place of Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur has had a disappointing season so far (Picture courtesy-BCCI/iplt20.com)

Shardul Thakur has picked up just two wickets in the four matches so far and is a player who just does not look in form. He has been leaking a lot of runs and has been expensive at the death. He has not been able to contribute with the bat either and time calls it for his exclusion from the team. With a player like Mitchell Santner ready to replace him, MS Dhoni should look beyond Shardul Thakur. CSK should give Santner a go and see how he performs. The Kiwi spinner is also very handy option with the bat and can provide some handy runs down the order

With the two teams in good form, it is expected to be a cracker of a match and it will be interesting to see if CSK can come back strongly and get back to winning ways.