IPL 2019: Chennai Super Kings’ Best Possible XI against Royal Challengers Bangalore

The 12th edition of the IPL is a stone’s throw away and the tournament serves as a perfect appetizer before the World Cup. The previous season saw the return of Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings after a two-year hiatus with the latter marking its homecoming with a title triumph.

Thus, the Chennai based outfit would be looking to carry the momentum of last year and equal their record of being the only team to defend their IPL crown.

Ahead of the auction, the Yellow Army retained the majority of their players and hence, were judicious in their purchases. Mohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad were the only players to come through the door whereas Mitchell Santner was retained despite playing no part in 2018.

CSK’s first assignment is a home game against the competition’s underachievers aka Royal Challengers Bangalore. The tie is scheduled for the 23rd of March at the MA Chidambaram Stadium where the former would hope to lay down its dominance.

Through the course of this article, we take a look at how CSK could line up come the big game on Saturday:

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Top Order: Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina

Shane Watson has been at his belligerent best

Chennai Super Kings’ opening pair enjoyed a scintillating season in 2018. While Shane Watson powered CSK to the title in the final, Ambati Rayudu was consistent throughout and emerged as one of the leading run-getters in the tournament.

In addition, the presence of Watson provides an experienced bowling option. Capable of bowling with the new ball and at the death, his variations could prove useful on the sluggish Chennai wicket. Though his potential replacement, Francois Du Plessis, has been in decent form recently, the Australian’s multi-faceted gameplay gives him the nod.

The No.3 spot has been set in stone for Suresh Raina ever since the first season of the IPL. While he wasn’t at his extravagant best last term, the left-hander was effective in patches and still represents one of Dhoni’s most trusted lieutenants.

Moreover, the triumvirate of the aforementioned players complements each other perfectly. Rayudu and Watson are devastating against pace whereas Raina can milk the spinners for runs.

And with CSK relying heavily on good starts to launch their traditional late onslaught, one can expect the trio to stride out as the top three come Saturday.

Middle Order batsmen: MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav

MS Dhoni has been in scintillating form recently

In 2018, CSK played Sam Billings at No. 4 with MS Dhoni following in at No. 5. But, with the latter in stunning form, one would be tempted to throw him straight into the mix at two-down.

From that position, the CSK skipper would be able to control the game and plot his assault. Moreover, his mere presence on the batting crease would force the bowling side to alter their plans and try something they aren’t accustomed to.

As for the other spot in the middle order, I have slotted in Kedar Jadhav.

CSK was hamstrung for a large part of last season after the all-rounder limped off in the opening game. The right-hander failed to recover in time and subsequently, missed the entire tournament. However, with him fit and firing, the Yellow Army is provided with another dimension altogether.

The all-rounder is blessed with the ability to strike at a good clip from the outset and is equally adept at handling pace and spin. Moreover, his off-spinners would prove a real handful on the tired Indian pitches. Yet, his biggest asset could be the understanding he enjoys with Dhoni.

On many an occasion, the pair has joined hands for India and guided them out of trouble. The duo knows each other’s game perfectly and they would put the opposition under pressure with their street-smart batting.

Thus, without a shadow of a doubt, the partnership needs to work in tandem in the middle overs with Dhoni at No.4 and Jadhav at No.5.

All-Rounders: Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner

Bravo has been a key performer for CSK

Of the three, Ravindra Jadeja slots seamlessly into the eleven. The Indian is a gun fielder, can wield the willow adroitly and is a genuine wicket-taking option in the middle overs. Hence, the three-dimensions he brings to the plate make him a certainty to start.

With respect to the other all-rounders, I have gone for the overseas combination of Mitchell Santner and Dwayne Bravo.

The former missed the entirety of last season with a knee injury. Though CSK functioned well without the New Zealander, there is no denying that his presence only makes them stronger.

Over the years, Santner has enjoyed success on Indian pitches with his guileful left-arm spin a tough proposition to tackle. Hence, unleashing him alongside Jadeja would help CSK control the middle phases.

Additionally, his hitting prowess at the end lends more muscle to the Yellow Army’s lower middle order.

Bravo, on the other hand, has been an ever-present in the CSK setup. Even though he has been in scrappy form in recent weeks, the West Indian has enough in his tank to stand up to be counted once the IPL starts proper.

The three all-rounders mentioned provide CSK with the adequate balance and barring any injuries, should play a significant portion of the season, starting Saturday.

Fast Bowlers: Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar and Lungi Ngidi

Ngidi hit the ground running last term

With so many spinning options in its ranks, the Yellow Army would most likely go in with three front-line quicks to supplement Watson and Bravo. And the three pacers I’ve gone for are Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi and Shardul Thakur.

Chahar was superb in CSK’s run to the title last season. The pacer’s trait of swinging the new ball caused several batsmen trouble and he invariably nipped a batsman or two out in the power-play. His new ball partner, Lungi Ngidi, wasn’t too shabby either.

The South African arrived late for the tournament owing to personal reasons. However, since being included, the fast-bowler was on fire as he scalped 11 wickets in 7 games at an astounding average of 14.18. To cap it off, he only conceded runs at an economy rate of 6.00.

Thus, CSK would be extremely naïve to ignore either Chahar or Ngidi.

Shardul Thakur, on the other hand, faced some stiff competition to get into the team. The lad from Mumbai impressed intermittently last term but came into his own in the latter stages. Though he faced stiff competition from the returning Mohit, the former’s pace and death bowling place him on a higher pedestal.

Also, Mohit has not played a lot of cricket recently and could be a little rusty. Shardul, meanwhile, would want to give out a strong message to the selectors before they get down to picking the World Cup squad.

Hence, the strongest possible fast-bowling battery CSK can put together for the opening game comprises of Shardul, Chahar and Ngidi.