IPL 2019: Match 1, Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore - Chennai Super Kings' Predicted XI
CSK is the defending champions of IPL 2019. (Credits - BCCI)

Last year has been brilliant for Chennai Super Kings. Despite coming back to the tournament after two years, they gelled really well to make things fall in place. Initially, they have been on the wrong side for picking 30+ players in the side but they gave a stunning reply to the criticisers by winning the trophy in style.

Following the successful year, they retained the whole squad with slight changes. The core group has been the same for the upcoming edition as well. Meanwhile, ahead of their first game, which is also the tournament opener, we came up with their predicted XI for the highly-anticipated clash.

IPL 2019: Match 1, Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore - Chennai Super Kings' Predicted XI
Chennai Super Kings (Photo By Vishal Bhatnagar/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Here is the Full squad:

MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Deepak Chahar, KM Asif, Karn Sharma, Dhruv Shorey, Faf du Plessis, M Vijay, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Billings, Mitchell Santner, David Willey, Dwayne Bravo, Shane Watson, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir, Kedar Jadhav, Ambati Rayudu, Harbhajan Singh, N Jagadeesan, Shardul Thakur, Monu Kumar, Chaitanya Bishnoi, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mohit Sharma

Batsmen Allrounders Spinners Pacers
R Gaikwad* R Jadeja Mitchell Santner Mohit Sharma*
MS Dhoni (wk) David Willey Imran Tahir Deepak Chahar
Suresh Raina Dwayne Bravo Harbhajan Singh KM Asif
Faf du Plessis Shane Watson Karn Sharma Shardul Thakur
M Vijay Kedar Jadhav Monu Kumar
Sam Billings (wk) C Bishnoi
Ambati Rayudu
Dhruv Shorey
N Jagadeesan (wk)

Here is Chennai Super Kings’ Predicted XI:

1. Shane Watson:

Top ten contenders of 'Orange Cap' in the IPL 2019
Shane Watson. Image Courtesy: BCCI

The right-handed all-rounder Shane Watson is in glorious form with the willow. He has been the man for his side in the Pakistan Super League 2019 and heading into the Indian Premier League 2019 with a good form on his side. He would be the key for CSK to dominate things early in the innings.

Rating – 8/10

Shane Watson is a trustworthy player with the bat at the top order. If Watson gets going, CSK would find them crossing over 200 on the board. A handy bowler to give breakthroughs for the team.

2. Ambati Rayudu:

Ambati Rayudu.
Ambati Rayudu had a great IPL 2018. Credits: BCCI

Who can forget the fireworks of Ambati Rayudu in the previous edition of Indian Premier League? He has been sensational his side with his consistent knocks for the team, which paved a way for him to enter into the Indian National Cricket Team. He would once again enter the tournament to prove his mettle for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019.

Rating – 9/10

The flamboyant batsman is the consistent performer for CSK last year. His class and technique would help the team again. There are very fewer weaknesses in him.

3. Suresh Raina:

Suresh Raina, Indian Premier League 2019
Suresh Raina (Credits: BCCI)

Can there be any other option apart from Suresh Raina at number 3? The flamboyant batsman has been one of the greatest servants for Chennai Super Kings. His presence will bring a great boost to the team. He would like to perform at any cost, as this would be the best platform for him to secure a place in World Cup squad.

Rating – 8.5/10

The stylish southpaw is a consistent performer over the years. Off late, he lost a bit of his form but a committed player for his team. He can give a couple of overs for his captain as well.

4. Mahendra Singh Dhoni:

Sir Viv Richards, MS Dhoni
Photo by: Faheem Hussain /SPORTZPICS for BCCI

Like last year, once again, MS Dhoni will be playing at number 4 for Chennai Super Kings. He will be the cynosure of the eyes during the progress of the tournament. The flamboyant cricketer would like to repeat his magic once again with the willow and bag the trophy for CSK fans.

Rating – 10/10

A three-dimensional player for CSK. He can bat around, keep wickets and leads the team to perfection. His form is icing on the cake.

5. Kedar Jadhav:

Kedar Jadhav, IPL 2018
Kedar Jadhav Image Courtesy: BCCI

The X-factor for the team would be Kedar Jadhav. He can knock those balls out of the park with ease and can garner runs at a quick pace. He got the knack of scoring runs for the team with his unorthodox batting and very useful bowling optional for the team as well.

Rating – 8.5/10

A handy all-rounder for the team. He can win the matches out of nowhere and bowl those economical overs in the middle.

6. Dwayne Bravo:

Bravo
Dwayne Bravo. Photo by Prashant Bhoot /SPORTZPICS for BCCI

One of the best all-rounders in the world cricket will certainly make a cut into the playing for Chennai Super Kings. He is one of the key players for their success in the last year and would once again be the major player to watch out. He can turn the things on his day with his masterful skills across the three sections of the game.

Rating – 9/10

A talented all-rounder, who can deliver equally in all sections of the game. A match-winner for the team. His presence in the squad itself is a great boost for the team

7. Ravindra Jadeja:

Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja Credits: BCCI

The all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is yet another player, who would love to give his all during the course of the tournament. He would be the key player for CSK to restrict runs in the middle overs and a shoulder to rely on MS Dhoni down the batting order.

Ratings – 8/10

Off late, Jadeja lost a few his batting skills in the limited overs format. But, he is a brilliant addition in the bowling section and a very athletic fielder.

8. Deepak Chahar:

Dhoni, Deepak
Deepak Chahar (Credits – Getty)

He was one of the key factors for Chennai Super Kings success in the previous edition of the tournament. Deepak Chahar will go into the tournament as the experienced bowler with a reputation of taking early wickets. Besides that, he is pretty useful with the bat as well.

Rating – 8.5/10

Deepak Chahar would once again take the new ball for the team. He is brilliant with the new ball and looks after the powerplay with his ability to swing the ball.

9. David Willey:

David
David Willey. Photo by Prashant Bhoot /SPORTZPICS for BCCI

The England all-rounder will be eager to show his mark in the tournament. He got incredible skills to deliver in all sections of the game. With Lungi Ngidi out of the tournament, Willey would fill his shoes for CSK. Willey can also be the floater for the team, who can whack the ball with ease.

Rating – 9/10

The England all-rounder also got the goods to deliver. He can be used at any batting order and bowls well at the death and with the new ball.

10. Imran Tahir:

Tahir
Imran Tahir. Photo by: Faheem Hussain / IPL/ SPORTZPICS

The veteran spinner has done brilliantly for the team in the previous year of IPL. The flamboyant cricketer is in great nick for his side in the recently-concluded series against Sri Lanka. Tahir would love to repeat his heroics in India for Chennai Super Kings.

Rating – 9/10

Imran Tahir is in a fine form with the ball. On his day, he can turn things for his side. A match-winner for the team.

11. Mohit Sharma:

IPL 2019, Chennai Super Kings, Mohit Sharma
Mohit Sharma (Credits – BCCI)

Mohit Sharma is one of the two players bought by Chennai in the auctions for IPL 2019. He is certainly a good addition for the team, who can restrict the opposition with his skilful bowling. Mohit can be a good support to Dwayne Bravo during the slog overs of the game.

Ratings – 7.5/10

Of late, Mohit Sharma isn’t at his best. However, under MS Dhoni, he would like to shine for CSK. He got great skills under his kitty, which needs a bit of fine-tuning.

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