5 players CSK need to sign to retain their IPL title in 2019

Defying all odds, the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings sauntered to their third IPL title this year and in many ways stamped their authority over the competition once again.

However, despite all their dominance, the fact remains that their squad is an ageing one and not many players might make it to the next season and this is where the management and the scouting team needs to look out for replacements.

We will look at different slots, the players who might miss out and then look at their like-for-like replacement which will not impede the balance of the squad.

Here in this slider, we identify five players who might be roped in ahead of the next season and they can they fit in perfectly with the CSK scheme of things.

---

#5 Moises Henriques

The New South Wales player has been a clutch T20 player for his Big Bash Side, Sydney Sixers. He was also one of the go to players for David Warner when he led the Sunrisers Hyderabad, but was not picked up in the mega auctions in 2018.

Henriques can bat at top of the order and can control the innings right through. Also, he has the game to take it to the bowlers and use the long handle to great effect to apply the finishing touch.

With the ball, he can be trusted to chip in with three to four overs every match, and this is where MS Dhoni might want him in his side as he likes players who have more than one string to their arrow.

Henriques will also the experienced man who can assist Dhoni to devise tactics and can be relied upon anywhere in the field. Perhaps, the best fit if Shane Watson does not turn up fit next season. His base price this year was Rs 1.5 crores.

#4 James Faulkner

Dwayne Bravo did not have an entirely fruitful IPL this season, but owing to the lack of replacements, he was a part of the playing XI right throughout.

However, if CSK want to look around, they might find a better option in James Faulkner who was not picked by any team this season.

Faulkner has the variations and the experience to be successful in all conditions and he can be handy both with the ball and the bat.

The southpaw averages 21 in the IPL with a strike rate of 135 and has also picked up 59 wickets.

#3 Colin Ingram

CSK were given a blazing start by Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu this season, but if Watson is not fit enough to get a go next season, they should ideally slot in Colin Ingram as his replacement.

Ingram has been a dynamic T20 player of late and has the ability to tee off from ball one, a trait which sits well with CSK, as they have players who can drop anchor and play deep into the innings.

However, Ingram can take the attack to the opposition and set the tone for the others to pile on a massive score.

#2 Josh Hazlewood

Australia's main weapon with the red ball, Josh Hazlewood has given enough indication of his worth in the limited overs format as well.

However, there are reservations over his ability to hone his skills and get the ball rolling in T20s and this is where he will be keen to chart out his path.

CSK had a decent pace bowling attack this season and in Lungi Ngidi they found a reliable bet, but with Hazlewood in their arsenal, they can play around with the combinations and never be too shy of experimenting in the league.

#1 Jonny Bairstow

Perhaps, the most in-form player in coloured clothing in the world right now, Jonny Bairstow cannot help but score runs against the white ball. It was hence a surprise that he was not picked up this year, but CSK might well go for him next season as he has given enough proof of his credentials.

He can open the batting and then if need be can slot down lower down the order to provide the finishing touch as well. With Dhoni having a dodgy back, he can well take the gloves if required.