IPL 2018: Comprehensive team analysis and probable playing XIs

Chennai Super Kings

Can Dhoni help CSK regain their lost glory?

Chennai Super Kings are one of the most celebrated teams of the IPL and their return to the league has increased the excitement manifold. Led by their charismatic captain, MS Dhoni, CSK will look to win another IPL title.

Chennai Super Kings Squad

MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Faf du Plessis, Harbhajan Singh, Dwayne Bravo, Shane Watson, Kedar Jadhav, Ambati Rayudu, Imran Tahir, Karn Sharma, Shardul Thakur, Jagadeesan Narayan, Mitchell Santner (injured but no replacement named), Deepak Chahar, Asif KM, Lungi Ngidi, Kanishk Sheth, Dhruv Shorey, Murali Vijay, Sam Billings, Mark Wood, Kshitiz Sharma, Monu Singh, Chaitanya Bishnoi

Batsmen - In order to recreate the old CSK magic, the think-tank decided to form the team that was present in 2015. However, in the process, they might have selected a team whose average age is on the higher side. Faf du Plessis, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, Ambati Rayudu and Kedar Jadhav all have incredible IPL records but are all in their thirties and most of them are going through a lean phase. Vijay and Rayudu haven't played much cricket of late and Jadhav is not part of India's T20 setup. Thus, CSK's fortunes will depend on the performances of Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni.

All-rounders - CSK are blessed with some world class all-rounders in Shane Watson, Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja. Even though Watson had a dismal time with both bat and ball for RCB last year, his superb show in the PSL and BBL will inject a lot of confidence into CSK's team management. Jadeja will look to get in the reckoning for a spot in the national side with a strong show in the IPL, while the ever dependable Bravo will look to entertain the crowds all over the country with his energetic performances once again.

Bowlers - CSK's problems lie in their bowling. While they do possess experienced spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir and Karn Sharma, their pace department looks extremely weak. Mark Wood and Lungi Ngidi, who are the only overseas options available to CSK in the pace attack, will be playing their debut IPL season and it will be a big test of their skills in Indian conditions. Shardul Thakur did get an opportunity to represent the country recently but his performances weren't consistent enough. The much talked about KM Asif, Kanishk Seth and Deepak Chahar will form the rest of the pace attack. If CSK are to come good this season, then their experienced players will need to bring their A game to the table.

Predicted Playing XI - Shane Watson, Murali Vijay, Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis, MS Dhoni (C & WK), Kedar Jadhav, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mark Wood