Chennai Super Kings predicted XI
After a two-year hiatus from the IPL due to the match fixing scandal that rocked the cricket fraternity, the 'Men in Yellow' are back. The CSK were the most consistent performers in the IPL under the leadership of the Mahendra Singh Dhoni having won back to back titles in 2010, 2011 and finishing as the runners up a record 4 times.
Chennai Super Kings retained 3 players - MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja before the auction and used their 2 RTM's for Faf du Plessis and Dwayne Bravo. Interestingly they let go their first choice spinner, Ravichandra Ashwin and instead opted for the highly experienced Harbhajan Singh who has been a part of the Mumbai Indian's set-up since the tournament's inception.
CSK roped in a handful of youngsters in their squad and now have a well balanced team with experience and youth. They have bolstered their team with a number of word-class all rounders who have time and again proved to be the difference between winning and losing in the shortest format of the game.
I take a look at how the Super Kings might line-up in the IPL.
Top-order
Faf Du Plessis : He was a integral part of the Super Kings line-up before the team was banned and should open the innings in this season.
Shane Watson : The veteran Australian could partner Faf at the top of the innings. Watson has proven himself to be a useful all-rounder over the years and could provide a fast start for the Kings.
Suresh Raina : Coming in at three would be the IPL's most successful batsman with a total of 4540 runs. Raina's confidence will be boosted by his selection in the T20 team for the South Africa series and he would surely relish to be back in front of the Yellow Army.
Middle-order
MS Dhoni(C)(Wk) : One of India's most successful ever T20 batsman could bat high up the order at No. 4 and steer the innings in case of a top-order collapse. Dhoni could well look to anchor an innings before showcasing his big hitting later on.
Kedar Jadhav : Bought at a whopping 7.8Cr, Jadhav needs to prove his price tag and perform at the top level. He can come in handy as a bowler in the middle of an innings where his flat arm deliveries could provide key for his side.
Ravindra Jadeja : Jadeja was retained by the Chennai franchise before the auction. The all-rounder has been an integral pat of the team and has the trust of his captain. He would like to prove his potential to the selectors and Virat Kohli and regain his place in the Indian side.
Dwayne Bravo : Another all rounder in the Chennai team, Bravo is one of the best death bowlers around. His use of variations with the ball, notably, the slower ball and the off cutter are key to his arsenal. The former West Indies captain is a handy in the lower middle order and is capable of delivering lofty blows.
Lower-order
Harbhajan Singh : Having been bought by CSK at a modest 2Cr, the 'Turbanator' would be looking forward to play under MS Dhoni. He is among a very few who can keep the opposition's run-rate under check and provide breakthrough's at crucial moments in the game.
Karn Sharma : Karn is one of the rare leg spinners who focuses more on spinning the ball rather than using too many variations. He can also come in handy with the bat in the latter part of the innings.
Mark Wood : The Englishman will be playing his first season in the IPL. Wood is capable of delivering at 140 kmph on a consistent basis. With CSK short of fast bowlers, he could well star with the ball.
Shardul Thakur : Thakur is a bowler who likes to hit the deck hard and can also move the ball away from the right-handers. He and Wood could form a lethal partnership with their pace up-front.
It will be interesting to follow CSK's progress on their return to the IPL. The tournament commences on April 7th.