IPL 2019 Preview: Defending Champions- CSK

The 3-time champions and the 7-time finalists are well on-course to defend their title in the 12th edition of this high-voltage tournament. They haven't made any changes in their already-balanced squad, this year. Mohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaekwad are their 2 additions in the auctions ,held on December last year, in Jaipur. Mohit Sharma, the experienced medium pacer has already played for the Chennai outfit for 3 long seasons, 2013-15. Thus, it will not be much difficult for him to adapt with the side, led by former Indian Captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The side has a perfect mixture of experience and youth which was a very prominent reason behind their success last year. Veteran Aussie Shane Watson along with Ambati Rayadu provided solid starts on numerous occasions in the previous season. Thus, they need to continue their task of providing their team with a solid platform right at the top. The "Monk", Murali Vijay will also provide a perfect option as an opener. Down the middle order, "Chinna-Thala"(meaning younger brother in Tamil, a title given by the CSK fans)-Suresh Raina, Faf Du Plessis, Sam Billings are expected to provide huge impact to the batting line-up of the defending champions as they did in the previous season. Obviously, there is the "Thala"(meaning elder brother in Tamil)- MS Dhoni with his ardent finishing abilities, which is always thw greatest secret behind CSK's successful run over the years, as the skipper always scores some quick 50-60 runs in the finishing overs, giving his team an extra-edge over their opposition. Kedar Jadhav is also expected to provide the much-needed assistance in the finishing duties with the skipper. "The Champion"  all-rounder Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja will play the important all-round pivotal role in their line-up.

Coming to their bowling line up, Chennai Super Kings have plenty of spinning and fast bowling options in their squad. Protea leggie Imran Tahir, veteran offie Harbhajan Singh along with experienced leggie Karn Sharma, Kewie left-arm spinner Michell Santer and Ravi Jadeja will handle the spin department. In the fast bowling department, the men in Yellow have the South-African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi along with the young guns Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar. The new recruit, Mohit Sharma and obviously, the veteran Aussie Shane Watson will also provide important support with their medium pace bowling.

Overall, this season also, the Chennai outfit have a perfect combination in their squad as they have multiple options to try out in the different tournaments. Thus, they still holds a massive chance to defend their title yet again after 2011.
Mohit Sharma - Chennai Super Kings - Rs 5 cr - Bowler

The Squad:
MS Dhoni(c & wk), 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.

Coaching staff:
Stephen Fleming (Head Coach),
Michael Hussey (Batting Coach),
Lakshmipathy Balaji(Bowling Coach).

Photo Source: Instagram and Twitter

Writer: Avirup Roy

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