MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will play their ninth Indian Premier League (IPL) finals on Friday taking on the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Dubai. The yellow army booked their direct ticket to the finals with a victory over the Delhi Capitals (DC) in first qualifier on October 10.
It was Robin Uthappa and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who ensured CSK’s victory and their berth in yet another IPL final.
The CSK could be in for a huge selection headache as the team’s vice-captain Suresh Raina, who missed the last two-games due to injury has returned to the nets and the team management would have to take the tough decision of either leaving out Uthappa, who scored 44-ball 63 against the Delhi Capitals or make way for Raina for the finals. But, will Dhoni stick with the winning combination or brink back ‘Chinna Thala’ into the CSK set up?
Raina hasn’t been the best of forms this season, scoring just 160 at an average of 17.77.
Dhoni wouldn’t want to tinker with the winning combination and bring back Raina into the side after Uthappa's spirited half-century.
CSK have found a perfect balance with Ruturaj and Faf du Plessis in the opening department and with Uthappa at No.3, followed by Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, the middle-order looks power-packed. With ‘Captain Cool’ regaining his old mojo, the team is marching ahead towards their fourth IPL title.
