IPL 2019: 3 international stars who could be game-changers for CSK

On 23rd of March, the 12th season of the IPL will begin. To our good luck, the league will be kicking-off with an age-old rivalry as CSK and RCB will lock horns against each other at the Chepauk stadium in Chennai.

With just about a week to go, all the teams would be working hard to churn out an effective playing combination. CSK have been quite lucky in this regard, as they have a decent squad and a mostly settled XI up their sleeve.

With a good blend of international stars, youngsters, and experienced veterans, Chennai seems to be the team to beat in the upcoming season. Moreover, they have a sense of balance across all the departments, which will be a big plus for them in IPL 2019.

On that note, let us look at three international players who could be the game-changers for CSK this year.

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#1 Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo took 14 wickets in IPL 2018

Dwayne Bravo has been by far the best all-rounder for CSK for a long time now. With exceptional power-hitting and bowling skills, the Trinidadian has been a vital link in Chennai's batting and bowling line-up.

Needless to say, Bravo will be a pivotal player for CSK in IPL 2019. CSK don't have many quality bowling options in their ranks, so Bravo's experience will come in handy. Moreover, Bravo will have a prominent role to play while bowling at the death.

In addition to that, Bravo will also have a significant role to play in Chennai's batting line-up. The job of the West Indian all-rounder will be to add some depth to CSK's batting, which will give them an extra place to fit an additional batsman or a bowler.

Bravo has been a reliable CSK player for several years now, and MS Dhoni will be hoping he continues in the same vein this year.

#2 Lungi Ngidi

Lungisani Ngidi was a surprise package in IPL 2018

Lungisani Ngidi put in an exceptional set of performances for Chennai in the 11th edition of the league. Having played seven matches for CSK in IPL 2018, the South African pacer scalped 11 wickets at an exceptional strike-rate of 14.18 and a good economy of 6.00.

These numbers speak volumes about his ability as a bowler. And the fact that he could produce such statistics in Indian conditions deserves even more appreciation.

With Ngidi having accumulated decent experience on Indian wickets, CSK will hope the fast bowler turns into the lynchpin of their bowling department.

Chennai have put a lot of added responsibility on the South African bowler's shoulders, but that is unlikely to faze him. Ngidi's height and ability to swing the ball both the ways will add a sense of strength to Chennai's bowling department.

Besides, Ngidi's performances can also relieve the extra pressure from Dwayne Bravo, which in turn will help boost the Trinidadian's performance.

#3 Shane Watson

Shane Watson scored a brilliant hundred in the finals of IPL 2018

A lot of people were skeptical of CSK's move to acquire Shane Watson in the mega-auction last year. But the move from the Chennai management proved to be quite beneficial as the Australian batting all-rounder contributed 555 runs at an exceptional average of 39.64 and a good strike rate of 154.59. Moreover, in IPL 2018, he also showed his worth as a bowler as he picked up six wickets for the team.

With 555 runs, Watson was the fifth-highest run-scorer in IPL 2018. Besides, he also finished as the second highest run-scorer for CSK, just behind Ambati Rayudu who scored 602 runs. The numbers pretty much prove the importance of Watson in Chennai's batting line-up.

Watson's success with the bat will strongly affect Chennai's chances in the upcoming edition of the IPL. With his multi-faceted skills, the Australian could play a significant role in CSK's bid to defend the trophy they won last year.