4 Players CSK should target for IPL 2019

After a hiatus of two long years, Chennai Super Kings made a phenomenal comeback with their third IPL trophy. Dhoni and company scripted a one of a kind show earlier this year with the "whistle podu army" rallying behind them.

Right from the auction ceremony, the management made some bold decisions leaving out Ashwin and picking some unexpected players. But all their choices fitted perfectly as the Superkings went all the way to defeat the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the finals.

Though the winning combination was as perfect as it could be, with the majority of the squad being over the age of 30, some harsh decisions can be made next year, and a few huge names might see their way out of the team.

To maintain a dominating squad for next year, CSK might look out to replace the veterans with some equally talented players. Here are four players who would be on the radar of the defending champions.

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#4 Evin Lewis

Lewis was instrumental for Mumbai Indians.

Matches: 13

Runs: 382

Strike Rate: 138.4

After CSK picked up Shane Watson in the auction earlier this year, there were a lot of criticisms regarding the Australian's age and his out of form status. But he defied all odds and proved to be the most prominent batsman for the team. However, at 36, Watson is too prone to injuries and was seen limping sporadically at the crease.

Another opener that outshone himself was MI's, Evin Lewis. Alongside Suryakumar Yadav, Lewis was the only hope for the Mumbai Indians as he scored 382 runs in 13 matches. A brilliant fielder as well, Lewis has the edge over Watson considering his age and his superb athletic abilities on the field. When Lewis comes under the hammer next year, the Superkings should look out for him if they want to replace the great Australian.

#3 Washington Sundar

Sundar and Dhoni played together for RPS.

Matches: 18

Runs: 74

Strike Rate: 148

Wickets: 12

Economy: 7.54

With an all-rounding winning performance from CSK, if there was one player who disappointed a bit, it has to be Ravindra Jadeja. Barring a few instances, Jadeja's performance was not on par, and the officials' trust in him might start to fade soon.

Another player who MS Dhoni banked upon for the last two years was the young Washington Sundar. Rising Pune Supergiants picked him up in 2016, and the all-rounder proved to be instrumental in the team's journey into the finals. A handy batsman as well, Sundar might be the perfect replacement for Jadeja.

Washington Sundar played just seven matches for RCB this year but deserves to play a lot more considering he has age on his side. Being bought by the Superkings may be the perfect platform for the 18-year old.

#2 Rishabh Pant

Arguably the best batsman of the 2018 edition of the IPL.

Matches: 38

Runs: 1248

Strike Rate: 162.71

At just 20 years old, Rishabh Pant is surely the next big thing in Indian Cricket. He came into limelight with his stellar batting performances in the Under-19 World Cup, and then there was no looking back for the young bloke.

MS Dhoni, even at 36, is still going strong in the shortest format of the game, but the management might be looking for some backup options. Who better than the Daredevils' wicketkeeper? IPL 2018 was the career-defining tournament was Pant, as he smashed 684 runs in 14 matches with a brilliant strike rate of 170, which even earned him the Emerging Player Award.

CSK has a plethora of players above the age of 30. With age comes injuries, and picking up Rishabh Pant may be a jackpot for the Superkings.

#1 Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Sunrisers retained Bhuvi as their main bowler.

Matches: 102

Wickets: 120

Economy: 7.15

There is no doubt about Bhuvneshwar Kumar being the numero uno bowler of the Indian Cricket Team. Be it the powerplay overs or the death overs, Bhuvi has successfully managed to restrict runs and take regular wickets in all formats of the game.

CSK's IPL victory this year was mainly due to their strong batting performance. The bowling lineup of Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar struggled a bit as the former leaker runs at a hefty economic rate of more than 9. What Superkings need is an experienced Indian bowler who can fuddle with the batsmen with his immaculate swing. In comes Bhuvi.

It is highly unlikely that Sunrisers would let go of their main man, but if Superkings manage to get their hands on Bhuvneshwar Kumar, there is no stopping them in the next edition as well.