IPL 2018: Chennai Super Kings' Likely Playing XI

Chennai Super Kings, a franchise with the biggest fan base, is making a comeback to IPL after two years.

The owners were able to retain the core of the team by retaining MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja on the retention day. They also bought Murali Vijay and Dwayne Bravo.

To add to it, CSK also kept Stephen Fleming in their backroom staff. He has been associated with MS Dhoni in all the seasons of IPL. A star-studded side has Dhoni, as its captain, and it need not worry much.

Team India’s most successful captain tends to pick up and retaining the same XI, and we might not see many changes in CSK during the season.

The first game of the season will give a clear indication of what would be Dhoni’s plan during the tournament.

At the start, CSK is expected to go with all-rounder Shane Watson and Murali Vijay. Both the players are proven openers in T20 cricket and have done well. Watson will give franchise extra luxury with his bowling. He can always deliver his quota of full four overs as well.

Suresh Raina is a no-brainer at number three. He can also come in with his off-spin bowling.

The number four position is an interesting position for which there are many of the contenders.

Ambati Rayudu’s international experience can see him taking over everyone for the number four position.

Dhoni, Jadeja and Brave are expected to succeed him in the batting line-up. All the three players have dual qualities, as Dhoni will keep wickets while Jadeja and Bravo will also deliver their quota of full overs.

They are also brilliant fielders, which is a bonus for CSK and the mantra for team’s success in the past seasons. In the spin department, Harbhajan Singh and Imran Tahir be the two options.

Harbhajan though did not find a regular place in Mumbai India’s line-up last year, but he is expected to be there in CSK’s playing XI.

One of Harbhajan and Karn Sharma will be in playing XI – depending on the form – and the former is expected to get the nod at the start.

Shardul Thakur will be an automatic starter in the league.

At last, Mark Wood will share the new ball with Shardul. CSK do not have proven new ball bowler apart from Shardul – who is also establishing in international cricket – which is a worry for CSK.

CSK’s likely playing XI –

Shane Watson, Murali Vijay, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (Captain/wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir, Shardul Thakur, Mark Wood.

Here is the news feed –

Mitchell Santner ruled out of IPL 2018

Nepal granted ODI status