Chennai Super Kings would be disappointed at their 1 run defeat to Mumbai Indians in the final of IPL 2019 which denied them what could have been their fourth IPL title. It is also noted that CSK is the team with the least number of purchases in the IPL 2020 auctions. CSK undoubtedly is one of the strongest teams in the league with the likes of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Shane Watson and Co. It wouldn't be a surprise if CSK make it to the playoffs again, as their previous records suggest that they have made it 8 times to the playoffs which is more than any other team in the league. But can MS Dhoni guide the franchise to yet another title?
With the IPL 2020 amid all speculations is now set to be held in UAE from the September of this year. Cricwizz takes a look into the 5 CSK players to watch out for this season.
1. MS Dhoni
No surprises right? No list is complete without this genius. Undoubtedly the most successful Indian captain and the second successful IPL captain. It would be a treat to watch Captain Cool back on field after a long break. The 39-year old has guided CSK over the line on three occasions and led them to the playoffs on a record 8 times. He has scored 4432 runs in the 190 matches he has played in the IPL at an incredible average of 42.21 and strike-rate of 138. He has 23 fifties and a high-score of 84 to his name. He also is ranked third in the list of the players with most sixes(209) in the history of IPL.
MS Dhoni was last seen in action in the semi-final against the blackcaps in World Cup 2019. He will be returning to the cricket field after almost a year. Will the Monk make a winning return and yet again prove why he is one of the best captains in the World? So much for the IPL to offer this season as we see.
2. Suresh Raina
When one says CSK, the next image that comes to our mind is flamboyant left-hander Suresh Raina. He has been a regular in the team and has been one of the most valuable players for MSD and CSK. He has been scoring runs on a consistent basis for the franchise and has scored 400 runs plus in 9 out of 12 seasons he has played in IPL. His fielding adds an additional asset to the team adding to his enormous experience. Raina is the second highest run- getter in the IPL with 5368 runs, only behind the current Indian Captain Virat Kohli. He has played 193 matches in IPL- which is the highest number of matches played by anyone in the league. The 33-year old scores his runs at an average of 33.34 and strike-rate of 137.11. He has 38 fifties and 1 century to his name and a high score of 100.
3. Piyush Chawal
Chawal made the headlines in IPL 2020 auctions after he was purchased for a whopping 6.5 crores, which made the most expensive Indian player in the auctions. The addition of chawla strengths the CSK spin attack with the likes of Harbajan singh, Ravindra Jadeja and Imran Tahir.
Though he may not be able to play all the matches as the team already has four spinners. He might play a vital role in the matches he plays and who knows what the CSK management have in store with him. The 31-year old is a vastly experienced candidate with 157 matches to his name in the league. The leg-spinner has claimed 150 wickets and is the third highest wicket-taker in the league ever. That should justify his price tag, right? He also has a phenomenal strike-rate of 20 with best figures of 4/17 to his name.
4. Lungi Ngidi
The 24-year old South African Speedster is yet to prove a point in IPL. But there is no doubt he is one of the best upcoming bowlers in the International. The pacer is relatively new to IPL with only 7 matches to his name but he has picked up 68 wickets in the international level in the 31 matches. He is a truly capable and highly talented bowler and it's no doubt CSK would be using him to full potential this time around as he was unfortunate to miss out on the last season with an injury. Ngidi has impressive figures of 4/10 in the IPL and has managed to pick up 11 wickets at an jaw-dropping strike-rate of 16 and economy of 6, his economy could be considered one of the best if he is to maintain it in the long run.
5. Dwayne Bravo
Similar to MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina, Bravo has too become the face of the franchise. The 36-year old is the fifth highest wicket-taker in the league. He is one of the go-to players for MSD when he is looking for wickets and also is an electric wire on the field, to add to that he can swing his bat and score some important runs at the end. Yes, he is the complete package any team would love to have and he does keep the crowd entertained with his amazing dance moves. It would be a treat to watch the West Indian showcase his talents yet again and take the team over the line. The Right-hander has 147 wickets in the 134 matches he has played in the IPL. He has scored 1483 runs at an average of 23 and strike-rate of 129 with 5 fifties. He has a high-score of 70 to his name.
Cover Credits: CricketCircle
