Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra picked his preferred Chennai Super Kings (CSK) XI for the first match of IPL 2022. The defending champions will lock horns against Kolkata Knight Riders in their season opener on March 26 at the Wankhede Stadium.

Meanwhile, the four-time IPL winners will miss the service of Moeen Ali and Deepak Chahar when they start their title defense. While Ali is yet to get his visa, Chahar has been laid low due to a quadriceps injury.

In the absence of Moeen Ali, Aakash Chopra believes Ruturaj Gaikwad should open the innings alongside Devon Conway, who is all set for his first IPL appearance. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 44-year-old said:

“There are a few complications. If Moeen Ali is not available, who will be the four overseas for the first match? I am saying open with Devon Conway alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad. You will get a left-handed opener.”

He added:

“At No. 3, if you don’t have Moeen Ali, then Robin Uthappa. Once Moeen Ali comes, you will have to once again think about your overseas contingent, which way you want to go. After that, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja and then Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni at No. 7.”

Aakash Chopra also emphasized the importance of the upcoming IPL for all-rounder Shivam Dube’s career.

“Shivam Dube has been a very good purchase. In my opinion, this is a make-or-break season for him. If he doesn’t flower even under MS Dhoni, because the two Royals have not done good for him – whether it is Royal Challengers Bangalore or Rajasthan Royals. If he seals his place here, the story can become good,” he added. 

Aakash Chopra picks four-seamers attack for CSK

The cricketer-turned-commentator picked veteran all-rounder Dwayne Bravo followed young Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Chris Jordan and Adam Milne.

“After that, Dwayne Bravo. I have kept Hangargekar, Chris Jordan and Adam Milne in my team. So my four overseas players are Dwayne Bravo, Adam Milne, Chris Jordan and Devon Conway to begin with. Once Chahar becomes available, one out of Jordan or Bravo will play,” Aakash Chopra concluded.