IPL 2019: 3 reasons why CSK are well-placed position to defend their trophy

Over the past 11 years, a few teams in the Indian Premier League have been very dominant. And Chennai Super Kings is one of those teams - they have been by far the most consistent side in the cash-rich tournament.

CSK have won three titles so far and have played 8 finals in the IPL. They won the title in IPL 2010, 2011 and 2018, and the last one came after a two-year absence from the league.

CSK are the only team to have defended the title in the history of the tournament.

On that note, here is a look at three reasons why the winners of the 11th edition are well-placed to defend their title in IPL 2019.

1. CSK have the most versatile squad

CSK have a pond of versatile players, who can make their presence felt irrespective of which position and circumstances they find themselves in.

They have match-winning players like the legend himself MS Dhoni, as well as Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Faf du Plessis, and Suresh Raina to name a few. CSK's strong lineup which can destroy the hopes of any team during the course of IPL 2019.

2. CSK have a great opening combination

Disastrous opening duo for other teams - Watson and Rayudu

Chennai Super Kings have a strong opening combination that will help them get good starts throughout the tournament. Last year, in IPL 11, Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu together smashed a total of 1157 runs.

Also, Faf du Plessis can perform well as an opener and also in the middle order, getting the runs flowing in any situation. His match-winning knock of 67* against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the qualifier round of IPL 2018 was jaw-dropping.

3. Leadership qualities of MS Dhoni

Dhoni’s leadership skills and crisis solving attributes can win any match. He understands the format like no other cricketer, and knows what’s required for winning. He has more experience in captaincy than any other captain in the IPL, and therefore he is respected all around.

Everyone knows that Dhoni's success rate in IPL is terrific. In a crisis situation, he is one player that can easily turn the tables around. He is also one of the best finishers in the world, which can help the team chase down huge totals.

As a whole, the entire team comes off as a very lethal setup. If any team has the resources that could help them defend a title, it is CSK.

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