Suresh Raina vs Robin Uthappa? Big hurdle for CSK skipper MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2021 Final against KKR

Before Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fight for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 edition trophy, there is a big hurdle the CSK skipper MS Dhoni will have to conquer.

As the side take on each other, team selection will be the top priority and CSK’s team management could be in for a ride as they would need to see who would be part of the team XI between Suresh Raina and Robin Uthappa.

While Raina has not been the most in-form player in the 2021 edition, Uthappa on the other hand had helped CSK book their direct ticket to the final with a victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in Qualifier 1, thanks to his batting at No. 3.

However, Uthappa’s place in the team could be under threat if the vice-captain Raina is deemed fully fit for return. The ‘channa Thala’, even before he got injured, has not done much with the bat and talks of him being replaced by Uthappa was taking place among fans and experts. 

While CSK have a set order and there doesn’t seem to be a scope for change the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis along with Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, and Ravindra Jadeja with Dhoni regaining his form, the chances of either Raina or Uthappa playing look possible.

CSK also has a deep batting order with the likes of Shardul Thakur, Dwayne Bravo and Deepak Chahar, also handly with the bat. Josh Hazlewood is the only player not known for his abilities with the bat in the entire team.

With all this being said, and barring any fitness issues, CSK is unlikely to alter their playing XI for the final against Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday (October 15) in Dubai.