Chennai Super Kings predicted XI for IPL 2021

Middle Order: Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c & wk)

Suresh Raina returns to CSK after missing a season

Suresh Raina will return to the CSK side for IPL 2021 and reclaim his rightful place at No. 3 in the batting order. The team's vice-captain hasn't played a lot of top-level cricket recently, and his form will certainly be under scrunity.

But importantly, Raina will be a familiar figure synonymous with success at CSK. The only campaign in which they didn't make the playoffs, uncoincidentally, didn't feature the southpaw. His return will bring a sense of calm to the side, as well as balance due to the handy off-spin he bowls.

At No. 4 will be Ambati Rayudu. The Hyderabad-born batsman is another player who'll come into IPL 2021 without much match practice, but he can be counted on to improve upon the tally of 359 runs he scored last year. Rayudu will be the anchor of the batting order, and he will be able to rotate strike as the other batsmen play their shots around him.

CSK captain MS Dhoni will slot in at No. 5 in IPL 2021. Dhoni has always been used as a floater, and this year will be no different. He is on the back of his worst-ever IPL season, and can be expected to come back strong with both his batting and his wicket-keeping.