IPL 2019: 5 Veterans who hold the key to CSK's plans of successfully defending the title

In the history of IPL, there aren't many teams to outscore Chennai Super Kings in the records department. They are the team with the most number of wins, most number of final appearances and most number of semi-final appearances.

Chennai Super Kings rule the chart and the hearts of millions of supporters of this majestic tournament. The men in yellow are three-time champions of the IPL and have been utterly dominant all throughout their glorious history.

Last year marked the comeback for the Chennai based franchise in the IPL after a 2-year suspension. They made quite a statement by winning the tournament as they strolled past their opponents to lift the prestigious trophy and be crowned as the Kings of the Indian Premier League for the third time.

With IPL 2019 just days away, it makes us ponder over Chennai's prospect of winning the trophy 2 years in a row. While all the franchises have recruited well, the men in yellow still are the firm favourites to lift the trophy for a record fourth time.

With the squad they have and the most importantly the balance and the experience they possess, CSK will prove to be a mighty contender this time.

With that being said, the highlight of the Chennai squad is the presence of veterans who with their experience and composure will look to shine once more in the IPL.

Here we list down 5 players who'll be key to CSK's plans of winning the IPL trophy in 2019:

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#5. Suresh Raina

Raina is the greatest runscorer in the history of IPL

To begin with, we have Suresh Raina- the man who has outscored every other player as he stands on top of the list of most runs in the history of IPL.

Raina brings invaluable experience to this side in the middle and there's simply no arguing about his status in the spectacle that is the IPL. The southpaw has been the catalyst to CSK being triumphant thrice in India's supreme club T20 tournament and will look to bring more glory in the colours of Chennai.

With 4985 runs, Raina is the leading runscorer in the history of IPL and will grace the fields of IPL for yet another season as he looks to become the first player to score 5000 runs in the IPL.

#4. Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo has played in each and every season of the IPL

Dwayne Bravo, the West Indies all-rounder is one of the most experienced players of the tournament. The Carribean superstar has played in each edition of IPL so far. He has been exceptional with his yorkers and slower ones in the death overs.

Bravo is one of the highest wicket-takers in the history of the tournament with 136 wickets to his name. The West Indian will look to add more as CSK plan to bring home the IPL trophy for the fourth time.

His tremendous bowling attributes are well accompanied by his appreciable batting skills, thus making Bravo a vital addition to this lethal CSK unit.

The West Indian has been a regular starter in the CSK colours as he's often the one bowling in those tricky middle overs. CSK devotees will expect the all-rounder to deliver yet again in 2019.

#3. MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni has captained Chennai Super Kings to 3 IPL triumphs

MS Dhoni has been utterly brilliant in the shortest format of the game and has had a stellar career in the IPL, winning 3 titles with CSK. The Indian veteran is 37 years old and has shown no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Dhoni has aged like a fine wine and his addition to any lineup in the world is nothing but confirmed and the Indian legend will look to spearhead yet another title challenge for Chennai Super Kings.

In addition to his leadership qualities, the former skipper of India cricket team is a tremendous batsman who still ranks amongst the best finishers in the world of cricket. When the going gets tough and a sudden collapse on top order come up, it is Dhoni who steers the boat to help CSK get out of trouble.

The Indian veteran is into what many might call as the latter stages of his career and will surely aim to win every trophy put in front of him before he hangs up his boots for good.

#2. Ambati Rayudu

Rayudu had a stellar campaign in IPL 2018

Ambati Rayudu was at his prolific best in 2018 as he helped Chennai win the title by scoring close to 600 runs. Considering the amount of talent in the Chennai squad, holding a position becomes quite a task and when you look at Rayudu being possibly their stand out performer last season, the words seem a bit pale in comparison to this man's potential.

Rayudu, having scored more than 3000 runs in the tournament, is one of the most experienced players of the Indian Premier League and the CSK fanbase hope to witness yet another enticing Rayudu show in 2019.

His unbeaten century against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018 was a treat for the eyes of IPL enthusiasts as the former Mumbai Indians' man scored all around the park as he got the better of SRH's proficient bowling attack.

CSK's hopes of landing a fourth title rest on Rayudu's shoulders.

#1 Shane Watson

Watson scored 117 in the final of IPL 2018 as CSK defeated SRH to win the title

Do you remember the Inaugural edition of IPL? Yes, the one which was won by Rajasthan Royals! The Royals deservingly claimed the title as they had literally been the best side in that edition. But do you remember who was their best player?

It was a young Australian by the name of Shane Watson. Watson had a sensational tournament as the blonde haired Australian helped Rajasthan lift the trophy with his all-around efforts.

He was named the Player Of The Series that year for his tremendous contributions on the field as he scored 472 runs and took 17 wickets to help RR reach the pinnacle.

Fast forward to the 11th edition, Watson plied his trade at the Chennai Super Kings as the men in yellow returned to IPL after serving a 2-year suspension. The all-rounder was picked up by the Chennai based franchise during IPL 2018 auctions.

He was at his absolute best during the 2018 season and gave CSK flying starts at the top. He also hit a match-winning century against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.

The veteran proved to the world that he still is a fierce competitor as the Australian yielded 555 runs in 2018 at an astounding strike rate of 154.59. Watson's magnificent campaign included 2 centuries as CSK ran out as the winners of the tournament.

Chennai will need Watson to fire again and help them defend their title successfully in 2019.