IPL 2018: Predicting the starting XI of CSK

The Yellow Brigade from Chennai are making a long-awaited return to the Indian Premier League this year, and the cricketing world could not be any more excited for it. The MS Dhoni-led side, who have finished as the champions on two separate occasions, are one of the most successful sides in IPL history.

CSK hold the record for the most final four appearances and have produced entertaining encounters over the years. CSK have retained two of their pillars since the first season, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and IPL stalwart Suresh Raina.

We look at the potential starting eleven of the side from Chennai.

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Opener #1: Sam Billings

Billings will be the mainstay of CSK's batting

The former Delhi Daredevils opener will have to replace Brendon McCullum as CSK's go-to man at the top. Sam Billings has been a popular choice in franchise cricket leagues over the years, and has shown his finesse in the top order.

Billings will have his work cut out, as the Chennai batting lineup is a rather weak unit. Billings will have to anchor the innings from the start.

Opener #2: Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay returns to his roots

IPL 2018 will feature the homecoming of Chennai's own, Murali Vijay, as he makes a return to the CSK side after a long stay with KXIP. India's mainstay in Tests, Vijay started off his career with CSK a long time ago. His prowess in the T20 format got him a spot in the Indian team, and he has gone on to become a regular in the international side.

Vijay has transformed from a destructive opener to a calm and steady head at the top. He has played several crucial innings for the Indian team in the past, and CSK will look towards him to provide stability at the top.

Vijay was the MOTM back in the 2011 final against RCB, could he repeat the heroics once again?

No.3: Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina is a legend of IPL cricket

There was no doubt about this spot, right? Suresh Raina, one of the finest players to have played in the Indian Premier League, makes a return after spending two years with Gujarat Lions. Raina is the second highest scorer in IPL history, having amassed over 300 runs every season for the past ten years!

Raina has struggled in the international scene for the past few years, finding it difficult to break into the Indian side in any of the three formats. However, his prowess after donning the yellow jersey can never be denied, and CSK will look towards him for some amazing performances once again.

No.4: Francois Du Plessis

Du Plessis has been a phenomenal performer for CSK

Another player who has donned the yellow jersey quite a few times in the past, Faf du Plessis will be a pivotal part of the CSK middle order. His tremendous athleticism on the field, along with Raina's, is a major reason why CSK are a quality fielding unit.

Du Plessis is no slouch with the willow as well, and has given several match-winning performances in the past. He is the South African captain in all three formats now, and has grown to become a great batsman in his own right.

Du Plessis will have to be at his best if CSK are to wreak some havoc.

No.5: Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav can bat, bowl, field and keep wickets too!

One of the biggest surprises of the IPL auction, Kedar Jadhav became a millionaire after being signed by the Chennai Super Kings. Jadhav is a useful utility player in the middle order.

Jadhav is another player who will be looking to make his mark in this edition, having been dropped from the ODI team in favour of Shreyas Iyer. He would like to solidify his position in the Indian side with the World Cup just around the corner.

No.6: Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Guess who's back!

The legend of Indian cricket, the ever-so-calm Mahendra Singh Dhoni, will return to the kingdom in which he is adored by the people. In an unsurprising move, MSD was retained by the Chennai side, along with other Chennai stalwarts Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja.

Dhoni is an indispensable unit of the Chennai side, as his experience and hard-hitting are invaluable. He has led the CSK side for eight years, winning two titles, and he will look to add another feather to his cap.

No.7: Ravindra Jadeja

Sir Jadeja is back in yellow

Once upon a time, Ravindra Jadeja was the hottest property in IPL cricket. He was bought for the highest bid back in 2012, and since then he has become a permanent fixture in the Chennai side. He has struggled to find his place in the Indian team in recent years, and will look to prove his worth in this season of the IPL.

Jadeja possesses quality with both the bat and the ball, and hence his value for the Chennai side is immeasurable. He will be entrusted with the responsibility to slow down the run-scoring in the middle overs. Jaddu will however miss his partner-in-crime, Ravi Ashwin this season.

No.8: Dwayne Bravo

CHAMPION DWAYNE BRAVO

CSK have done a good job retaining their core this season, and one of the best players to grace the IPL field, Dwayne Bravo is an integral part of their side. Bravo has given some of the best death over performances over the years, and is arguably one of the best bowlers during the latter stages.

He has also produced great performances while batting, and adds to the long batting lineup of the Chennai side. Bravo is an unique character, who never fails to amuse the cricketing fans with his antics on and off the field. The former Purple Cap winner will be a crucial part of the Chennai side.

No.9: Harbhajan Singh

It will be weird seeing Harbhajan in a yellow turban

Chennai lost out on their prized asset, Ravichandran Ashwin, and immediately bought a replacement in Harbhajan Singh. One of the most experienced players in the IPL roster currently, Bhajji will reunite with Dhoni after a long time.

Harbhajan will take over Ashwin's role and will most likely be entrusted with giving a proper start to the CSK bowling. He has won the IPL three times in the past, and will be a perfect fit.

Bhajji is in the twilight of his long and storied career, and will look to give his best this season.

No.10: Lungisani Ngidi

At 21 years old, Ngidi is the youngest in this ageing CSK side

The CSK side are heavily depleted in the fast bowling unit, and South African International Ngidi will be a major force in their bowling attack. Ngidi gave impressive performances in the India-South Africa series, and caught the eye of the Chennai fan base.

Ngidi lacks experience but could still turn out to be a revelation this season. Chennai is known to make stars of unknown commodities, and Ngidi could very well be this season's emerging player. Ngidi will have tremendous pressure to lead the bowling attack of the Chennai side.

No.11: Shardul Thakur

Could Thakur become a permanent fixture in the Indian side in the future?

Shardul Thakur has toiled hard in the Mumbai maidans to finally make it to the biggest stage, and has already impressed for the Indian side. Along with Ngidi, Shardul Thakur will have to be at his very best if CSK are to succeed this season.

Thakur, similar to Ngidi, lacks IPL experience and will have a major opportunity to make a case for himself. A strong showing this season could mean a look in to the Indian side in the limited overs format.