Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – the two-time champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) – are all set to return to the tournament after they were banned for two years over a spot-fixing scandal. The wait is now over for the fans who have been waiting to see their favourite cricketers back in the yellow jerseys. Several media reports have claimed that it will be an open auction for the eleventh edition of the cash-rich tournament. On the other hand, it’s yet to be confirmed whether the teams will be given the right to retain players for the upcoming season. The cricketing event is going to take place from April 4 to May 31, 2018, with 8 different franchises.
Previously we predicted the teams like Delhi Daredevils (DD), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI). And now, we list the names of probable players who could be inducted into the CSK team which has the third most number of followers (11 million) on Facebook among the other sides.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is currently owned by Chennai Super Kings Cricket private limited. It was the first team to win the IPL title for two consecutive seasons. Legendary players like Michael Hussey, Muttiah Muralitharan, Mathew Hayden, Stephen Fleming, Andrew Flintoff etc have been a part of this team. Also, this is the only team to have entered the qualifiers in all their seasons and have played the most number of IPL finals (6).
Here’s the history of the team year wise:
2008: In the inaugural edition, skipper MS Dhoni, who was the most expensive player of that season, guided his team to the finals but they lost to Rajasthan Royals by 3 wickets. They ended 3rd in the points table.
2009: After winning 8 out of 14 games, they finished 2nd in the points table. They lost in the qualifiers to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 6 wickets.
2010: They finished 3rd in the points table and secured their first ever IPL title after defeating Mumbai Indians by 22 runs in the finals.
2011: Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK bettered their performance and ended 2nd in the points table. They became the champions again and retained the title. The same year India lifted the World Cup after 28 years under Dhoni’s leadership.
2012: They were ranked 4th to qualify for the playoffs. With Murali Vijaya’s second IPL hundred against Delhi Daredevils in the semis, CSK entered the finals. However, Kolkata Knight Riders beat them in the finals by 5 wickets.
2013: They topped the league and entered the finals yet again for the 5th time in a row. Despite Dhoni’s unbeaten half-century, CSK lost another final by 23 runs.
2014: After finishing 3rd in the points table, they managed to appear in the semis but lost to Kings XI Punjab by 24 runs and couldn’t make into the finals.
2015: For one more time they remained the table toppers in the group stages. They made their way to the finals but lost to Mumbai.
Ahead of IPL 2016, CSK were banned from the tournament for two seasons along with RR due to corruption charges. They didn’t feature in the ninth and tenth edition of the tournament held in the year 2016 and 2017 respectively.
Here is the probable squad of CSK:
Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain/ Wicketkeeper) (IND)
Needless to question his selection in the team as a captain once again. He has been the most successful skipper in IPL history and the record books are the proof of his capabilities. Moreover, Chennai fans won’t accept any other player replacing their ‘Thala’ as the skipper. This man is expected to be one of the favourites in the auction though.
Suresh Raina (IND)
How could we not put Raina on his home team? Just like Dhoni, he has been one of the poster boys of CSK for 8 years they featured in IPL. The highest run-getter in the league surely needs to be bought again by the owners.
Ravichandran Ashwin (IND)
The Chennai boy cannot be excluded from his previous side. He could lead the spin department and has the capability to hit big shots when it comes to batting.
Ravindra Jadeja (IND)
Another prominent Indian spinner who could fit in the CSK dressing room like in the good old days. He could bat like a pro and his turning deliveries are dangerous enough to trouble any world class batsman.
Faf du Plessis (Overseas) (SA)
Another old member of the CSK family whose batting skills are globally renowned. The addition of South Africa’s Test skipper will be a great advantage for the men in yellow in their fielding department.
Martin Guptill (Overseas) (NZ)
An opener option whose batting is monstrous. As one of the batsmen with a double ton in ODIs, he could turn destructive any moment in the game.
Kagiso Rababda (Overseas) (SA)
The Protea speedster has many feathers to his cap. A young pacer is good to have on the side.
Kuldeep Yadav (IND)
Team India’s young sensation who has stunned the cricket fans with his Chinaman bowling. Kuldeep Yadav is a gem to have in the spin department. Don’t forget that he could take a hat-trick too!
Dwayne Smith (Overseas) (WI)
How could an IPL team look complete without a player from the Caribbean. DR Smith knows how to treat the bowlers right from the first over. He can fit himself well in the opening slot.
Murugan Ashwin (IND)
The find of Rising Pune Supergiant in the IPL 2015 who is another addition to the league of spinners. He is the 2nd player from Tamil Nadu in the squad after Ashwin.
T Natarajan (IND)
Player number 3 from homeland whose fast bowling skills are commendable. He rocked the IPL 2017 auctions and was bought by KXIP for Rs 3 Cr.
Manoj Tiwary (IND)
Bengal Ranji skipper has enough experience of playing under an alongside Dhoni. A superb middle-order batsman who could bat fearlessly.
Morne Morkel (Overseas) (SA)
Another pacer from South Africa.
Dale Steyn (Overseas) (SA)
The ‘Steyn’ gun from South Africa could be the most lethal bowler of the side. With ample of experience in this tournament, he is one of the best bowlers to have.
Nathan Coulter-Nile (Overseas) (AUS)
Australian speedster who has troubled a lot of batsmen in T20 cricket. His pace and variations have helped him become a crucial bowler in the quickest format of the game of cricket.
Dan Christian Nathan Coulter-Nile (Overseas) (AUS)
Another Aussie on the list who is one of the favourites when it comes to T20 cricket. He had shared the dressing with MS Dhoni in IPL 2017. He could be a great all-rounder to have in the lion’s den.
Ross Taylor (Overseas) (NZ)
The former Kiwi skipper is one of the reliable men who could be used well in the middle order.
Batting Coach: Stephen Fleming
Bowling Coach: Anil Kumble
Now after this prediction, we hope that team is totally capable of bringing their glory back after 2 years. Post your predictions in the comment section. Till then, keep chanting Chennai Super Kingsku Periya Whistle Adinga
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