IPL 2018: 4 reasons why Chennai Super Kings can win the title

The return of Chennai Super Kings to IPL has been a celebration for fans who waited eagerly for two years. Every game is a home game for CSK as the Yellow Army is filling the stadiums even in away matches. The men in yellow have returned the favor with superb performances in the tournament.

The CSK led by Chennai's adopted son Mahendra Singh Dhoni is going all guns blazing in the tournament. So are the others as almost every member of the team has contributed in some way or the other way putting the team at the top of the points table.

Looking at the present scenario, Chennai Super Kings, who are almost into the playoffs, are the fan-favorites to lift the trophy for the third time. Here are the four reasons why CSK can win the trophy again:

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#4 Return of Ngidi

Lungisani Ngidi missed the first half of the tournament as he had to attend his father's funeral in South Africa. Just a day after flying back to India, Ngidi donned the yellow and performed for his by picking up the wicket of the dangerous Rishabh Pant, who was threatening to take the game from them.

In his four overs, Ngidi conceded just 26 runs when the team's average economy rate was close to 10. Ngidi will be the X-factor in the CSK bowling line-up in the matches to come. The Chennai Super Kings also have David Willey in their ranks who can come into the XI as another seam bowling option

#3 Plenty of options

The specialty of Chennai Super Kings is that they not only have many options on the bench but they also have options in the playing XI. MS Dhoni has at least 7 bowling options at his disposal in every match. In the recent match against Delhi Daredevils, they had Karn Sharma in their playing XI but he did not bowl a single over, such is the depth in their side.

They have many like-for-like replacements in the squad. Karn Sharma can come into the side if they want to rest Imran Tahir. Murali Vijay or Rayudu can open the innings if they want another overseas player in place of Faf. They also have David Willey waiting for a chance and can be used in favorable conditions.

#2 Form of top 3 batsmen

The trio of Watson-Rayudu-Raina forms a formidable top 3 for the Chennai Super Kings. With Sam Billings set to return in next match, Rayudu will be back opening the innings with the mighty Watto.

Watson has been in good form with the bat and the ball. He is striking the ball cleanly and has a strike rate of 166.27. He also made the highest score in this year's IPL, 106 runs against the Rajasthan Royals.

Rayudu is the Orange Cap holder with 370 runs from 8 innings and is leading the batting of the team before Dhoni comes in to finish things for the side. Rayudu has an average of 46.25 and his strike rate of 156.11 is much higher than his overall IPL strike rate, which is less than 130. Rayudu has been in ominous form batting at any position, be it the opening spot or at No.4.

Raina has been in decent form and has scored two half-centuries in the seven matches. Even though he hasn't fired as much as Watson and Rayudu, his experience of batting at No.3 will be crucial for his side in the matches to come. He scored 205 runs with an average of 41.00.

#1 Dhoni finishing the innings

MS Dhoni in the last two IPL seasons was much different from MS Dhoni donning the yellow jersey. Back in yellow, MS Dhoni has been in tremendous form, touted by some as the form of his life.

Doing what he does the best, finishing the innings for his team, MS Dhoni scored 286 runs in 8 innings. Of the eight occasions that he came to bat, Dhoni remained unbeaten on four times. He has an average of 71.50, which is next only to Chris Gayle's 126.

The interesting thing about Dhoni's batting in this IPL is that he is attacking the bowlers much earlier than he used to do. The same has reflected in the form of his strike rate which rose from 138.73(IPL S/R) to 169.23 (this IPL). Dhoni as a finisher is what makes CSK the highest run scorers in the death overs.

If Dhoni continues his form the same way, then experienced-CSK are definitely the team to beat in this tournament