IPL 2018: Probable starting XI for CSK

Chennai Super Kings are one of the most famous and successful T20 franchises across the globe. They are back in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season after a ban of two years.

They retained the trio of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Ravindra Jadeja before the auction.

CSK let Ravichandran Ashwin go and brought in the veteran Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. They brought back Dwayne Bravo and Faf du Plessis through RTM and went big for Kedar Jadhav, Karn Sharma and Shane Watson.

Some of the other interesting names include Imran Tahir, Mark Wood, Mitchell Santner and Lungi Ngidi. Dhoni has lot of options in his squad and here we take a look at the likely Chennai Super Kings XI.

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Openers

1. Shane Watson

The veteran Australian all-rounder is one of the most destructive T20 players. Though he was poor in IPL 2017, he had a successful Big Bash League (BBL) 2017/18. With 331 runs, he was the third highest run-getter in the tournament with two fifties and scored at a strike rate of almost 140. Though he does not bowl a lot these days, he can play as an opening batsman.

2. Murali Vijay

Vijay went unsold in the first round of auction but CSK brought him in the second round. Previously a CSK player, he will be playing in his home ground once again. He has played 100 IPL games so far and scored 2511 runs in them. The opener missed the IPL 2017 because of injury but was brilliant in 2016 with 5 fifties. Playing at Chepauk will get the best out of the Indian Test opener.

Middle Order

Raina holds the key to CSK's success

3. Suresh Raina

IPL's highest run-getter (4540 runs) will most likely play in his favourite no.3 slot. He has been one of the most consistent players in IPL over the last 10 years and Chennai did well to retain him. He is back in the Indian T20 team for the tour of South Africa because of his superb form in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2017/18.

4. Faf du Plessis

Faf was an important player for CSK and they did not hesitate to use the 'Right to Match' card for the South African captain. At 1.6 Cr, he was a steal for Chennai Super Kings in the auction. He is a versatile player and is in good form for South Africa. CSK can also use him as an opener if Vijay or Watson fail.

5. Kedar Jadhav

Belligerent Indian middle-order batsman was brought by CSK for a whopping Rs 7.8 Cr. He played for Royal Challengers Bangalore last year but CSK went big for him in the auction. He did well for India in the ODI's and will look do the same for CSK. He is a clean striker of a cricket ball and will provide the impetus for CSK during the middle overs.

Wicket Keeper & All-rounders

Captain Cool is back

6. MS Dhoni

Chennai's prodigal son returns. He will be leading the team again and will look to win his third Indian Premier League title. He is one of the most destructive finishers in IPL and has an average of 38 and a strike rate of 137 in the tournament. His position in the batting order will change depending on the match situation but will most likely bat at no.6.

7. Dwayne Bravo

The West Indian is one of the most dangerous players in the T20 format. Though he had a subdued 2017, expect him to be at his best in IPL 2018. The two-time Purple Cap winner is an important player for CSK.

8. Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is one of most versatile players in T20 cricket. He can bat anywhere in the batting order and is more than useful with his left-arm spin bowling. He is a brilliant fielder and rarely drops catches. Dhoni prefers to play a lot of all-rounders in the team and Jadeja fits the bill perfectly.

Bowlers

He is expected to pick a lot of wickets for CSK

9. Imran Tahir

Dhoni prefers to have variety in his bowling department and Imran Tahir offers him exactly the same thing. He is the world No.1 ODI bowler and a genuine wicket-taker. Chepauk track generally assists spinners and Tahir will be used as an attacking option. The legspinner picked up 18 wickets from 12 games in IPL 2017 and is expected to lead the spin attack.

10. Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur was superb for Rising Pune Supergiant in the IPL 2017 when they finished runners-up to Mumbai Indians. He took 11 wickets in the tournament and opened the bowling for RPS. He also made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India in August against Sri Lanka. He is expected to open the bowling for CSK.

11. Deepak Chahar

Chennai fans were disappointed with CSK’s depth in the fast bowling department, but they have brought a quality pacer in Deepak Chahar. Rajasthan medium pacer had a stunning domestic T20 tournament (Syed Mushtaq Ali 2017/18). With 19 wickets, he was the leading wicket-taker in the tournament.