Top 5 overseas players for CSK in the past decade

Chennai Super Kings has always been the team to beat in the Indian Premier League's short lived history, and easily boasts of having the largest fan-base among all teams that have played the IPL. Even with the team being banned for two years from 2015 to 2017, the comeback of CSK into this year's tournament has been nothing but spectacular. From winning last ball thrillers to entertaining the crowd to the hilt, CSK have certainly announced their arrival in style this season.

Let us take a look at the best foreign recruits who have played for CSK in the past decade, as we attempt to decode their contribution to the winning cause.

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#5 Francois du Plessis

Faf du Plessis has always been the team man, be it for South Africa or Chennai Super Kings. A dependable batsman and an outstanding athlete, du Plessis brings in a plethora of experience to the table. In the limited opportunities that he has got throughout his career, the South African has proved his worth, scoring 519 runs from 17 outings at a decent average of 32.43 in the IPL.

In the current season, he has played only one game and waits in the wings for his chance. He easily saves 5-10 runs on the field for his captain, and would be a valuable asset for any team he plays for.

#4 Doug Bollinger

Bollinger breathed a fresh lease of life into CSK's campaign

Dougie Bollinger was added to the CSK squad in 2010 as a replacement for the injured Jacob Oram. He announced his arrival in style by taking 2 for 15 in 4 overs against Rajasthan Royals in a game that saw 469 runs being scored. He also pulled off a stunner near the boundary lines, making him a household name in Chennai. The extra yard of pace and the skiddy nature, made it difficult for batsmen to hit him through the line.

From 2009 to 2012, Bollinger played 41 matches for CSK, taking 55 wickets in the process. Even though he went into wilderness after 2012, Bollinger will always be remembered for his exploits with CSK for a long time to come.

#3 Michael Hussey

Mr.Cricket played crucial knocks for CSK at the top of the order

Micheal Hussey has to be the best top-order batsman to have played for CSK, as he often played the sheet-anchor role and guided the team home to victory on most occasions. He mixed caution with aggression so effortlessly, that opposition bowlers often had no clue where to bowl to this man.

From 2008 to 2015, Hussey played 60 matches for the Chennai based franchise, scoring a mammoth 2136 runs at a striking average of 42.72. His best score of 116* against Kings XI Punjab in the inaugural season is still remembered as one of the best innings to be ever played by a CSK batsman. Hussey is currently the assistant coach of the CSK squad in the current season.

#2 Albie Morkel

Morkel was at his belligerent best playing for CSK

Albie Morkel played the link-role between the batting and bowling unit of the CSK team from 2008 to 2013, as he often opened the bowling and finished games with the bat on a number of occasions. He carted the bowlers around, hitting the long ball and playing wonderful cameos down the order. He is best known for looting 28 runs off a Virat Kohli over during the 2010 IPL, which has to be one of the watershed moments in CSK's rich cricketing history.

Morkel played in 92 matches, scoring 909 runs and picking up 91 wickets and proved to be a valuable asset on any given day.

#1 Dwayne Bravo

Bravo has been a vital cog for CSK's success

Dwayne Bravo is synonymous with the CSK franchise, as the man from Trinidad and Tobago has proved to be a match-winner on multiple occasions. He joined the squad in 2011, and still remains the best all-rounder in the squad, contributing with both bat and ball. He brings in extra value with acrobatic fielding efforts, saving crucial runs whenever possible.

In the current season, Bravo's knock off 68 from 30 balls grabbed headlines in the opening fixture against Mumbai Indians, as he snatched victory from the hands of defeat for his team. Bravo is often entrusted in bowling out the death overs, which he does with consummate ease most often than not. Nicknamed the 'Champion' - Bravo offers multi dimensional utilities to the team all the time.