IPL 2019: 3 best possible overseas combinations for Chennai Super Kings

The IPL is set to enter its twelfth season with defending champions Chennai Super Kings locking horns with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opening game. CSK enter the tournament as one of the favourites, with a very balanced and experienced squad. But the injury to Lungi Ngidi just a week ahead of the IPL might cause a few concerns for the yellow brigade.

In the auctions, they had only three slots left and the major buy was that of Mohit Sharma. Other than that, the squad holds an almost similar look to last year. However, with Jadhav being available this time, there might be a few changes in the combination of the side, especially the overseas personnel. Here we look at three possible overseas combinations for CSK:

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#1 Shane Watson, Faf Du Plessis/Sam Billings, Dwayne Bravo, and Imran Tahir

Shane Watson had a fabulous season last year and comes into this year's IPL with red hot form, finishing as the highest run-getter in the PSL. He is the best option at the top for CSK. Faf might get to open with Watson, like in the playoffs last year. Or if Rayudu is slotted to open with Watson, one between Faf and Billings might be asked to bat at four as both are well acquainted with batting in the middle order. Dwayne Bravo is an automatic choice for CSK with his all-round abilities.

Considering the importance of wrist spinners in T20 cricket nowadays, Imran might get a place in the XI, being the most experienced leggie in the side. Also, with Lungi Ngidi injured, Tahir's place is more secured considering the fact that Ngidi's slot will most likely be filled by an Indian pacer and one overseas slot will remain vacant.

Probable XI: Shane Watson, Amabati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Faf Du Plessis, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Mohit Sharma, Imran Tahir

#2 Shane Watson, Faf Du Plessis/Sam Billings, David Willey, Mitchell Santner/Imran Tahir

Tahir has always been amongst wickets in the IPL

The fact that Bravo has not been in great form and has not been good enough at the death in recent times, might tempt the management to look for other options. David Willey might prove to be the perfect replacement in that case.

Considering the fact that Willey might not be as reliable as Bravo with the bat, CSK might go in with Mitchell Santner in place of Imran Tahir. But looking at the depth in CSK's batting, they can afford to go in with Tahir as well. In case Santner gets in, Karn Sharma might be an option to play the leg-spinner's role.

Probable XI: Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Faf Du Plessis/Sam Billings, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, David Willey, Mitchell Santner/Imran Tahir, Deepak Chahar, Mohit Sharma/Karn Sharma

#3 Shane Watson, David Willey, Dwayne Bravo, Imran Tahir/Mitchell Santner

David Willey might be tried at the top as a pinch hitter to increase depth in batting and improve death bowling

Death bowling seems to be an area of concern for CSK this season, especially after Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the tournament. That makes playing an extra pacer all the more important. Willey has the experience of opening in the Big Bash League and might be asked to do the same for CSK if the need arises. This will also increase the depth in batting, just like Narine's opening the batting does for KKR.

Depending on the requirement, one between Tahir and Santner will get the nod. Santner might prove to be a good option at the lower middle order while Tahir is a better wicket-taking option. If Santner gets a nod, there might be an option of playing the leggie Karn Sharma in place of Ravindra Jadeja if the management feels the need for a wrist spinner.

Probable XI: Shane Watson, David Willey, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja/Karn Sharma, Imran Tahir/ Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Mohit Sharma/Shardul