IPL 2019: 3 underrated players who can help CSK in retaining the title

The 12th edition of Indian Premier League - IPL 2019 - will kick off on March 23 with defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Chennai Super Kings has been one of the most celebrated teams of the IPL, with a huge fan base spread all across the country. Last year, returning to IPL after a ban of 2 years, CSK showed no rust and eventually lifted the trophy for the 3rd time.

This year, barring Mark Wood, CSK have retained all their players from last season. MS Dhoni will continue to lead the side whereas Stephen Fleming, their coach, will direct it.

The batting will revolve around Suresh Raina, Kedar Jadhav and MS Dhoni, while the bowling lineup's heart rests in the spin department. The presence of Shane Watson and Dwayne Bravo grants them multifaceted players which are the soul of a T20 side.

On that note, let us look at 3 underrated players who can help CSK in retaining the trophy.

1. Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis

South African captain Faf du Plessis has been one of the most consistent performers for Chennai Super Kings in IPL. Batting at the top, Du Plessis' role is to anchor the innings which allows the likes of Watson, Raina and Dhoni to play their natural game.

In 43 T20 matches Du Plessis' runs have come at an impressive strike-rate of 136.52, and his highest score is 119. Du Plessis’s ability to bat both at the top and in the middle-order will render flexibility to the CSK squad. Also, being an experienced member of the team means that Du Plessis will assist the management in taking important decisions.

His recent noteworthy performances include 78 off 45 balls against Pakistan’s dynamic bowling attack, which set up a 6-run victory for the Proteas. The underrated Du Plessis will be one of the keys in CSK's bid to defend their title.

2. Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur

The Maharashtra born right-arm seamer has been retained by CSK for the upcoming season of IPL. Shardul Thakur will be a part of an inexperienced but potent seam attack comprising Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi, and Dwayne Bravo. He is likely to partner Bravo in the death overs, with Chahar and Ngidi operating with the new ball.

The 27-year-old has represented India in 7 T20s and 5 ODIs. A high percentage of Thakur's deliveries are back-of-length balls which aim to skid off the surface. He also uses cross-seam deliveries to hit the splice of the bat, and owns a slower off-cutter to exploit slow pitches (such as the one in Chennai).

Last season, in the first Qualifier Thakur scalped the vital wicket of SRH captain Kane Williamson to reduce them to 36/3 within 5 overs. Though Thakur can be a tad expensive, he has a knack of picking up wickets.

If he shines, CSK could well win their 4th IPL trophy.

3. David Willey

David Willey

England all-rounder David Willey is a highly regarded T20 player. The left-armer is a skillful new ball bowler with the ability to swing the ball, plus a power hitter lower down the order.

Willey has consistently featured in the Perth Scorchers playing XI in the Big Bash, and has been an impact player for Yorkshire in T20 Blast.

Teams have also used him as an opener, to use his power hitting skills to utilize the field restrictions in the first six overs. If CSK use Willey in the same capacity, then he along with Shane Watson will form an explosive opening pair and can be a nightmare for bowlers.

In the international arena one of Willey's best performances came against West Indies in the 2016 T20 World Cup final where he recorded figures of 3/20, which underlines his big match temperament. If Willey finds a place in the XI, he will add great utility to CSK’s lineup.