Top 3 Players to watch out for Chennai Super Kings

Reigning Champions Chennai Super Kings will be banking on their experienced players to deliver the goods with bat and ball. The franchise made an emphatic return to the league last year and clinched their third title under the leadership of MS Dhoni. They certainly have a settled squad with players who have delivered on big occasions.

The franchise will be one of front-runners to win the coveted trophy this season. Let’s take a look at the three players that can be instrumental in helping Chennai win their fourth title this season.

Suresh Raina

There is no doubt that Suresh Raina has been a bankable player for Chennai over the past decade. He is the all-time leading run-scorer in the Indian Premier League. The sheer volume of runs is a testament to his incredible consistency with the bat in the shortest format of the game. Raina has been regular member of the playing XI since donning the yellow jersey. Last year, he scored 445 runs in 15 matches at an average of 37.08.

The 32-year old will be looking to put in a strong performance in this year’s competition. He could certainly make a comeback into India’s T20 squad for 2020 ICC T20 World Cup that will be played in Australia. Chennai Super Kings will be hoping that he can replicate his form from last season and help them clinch the trophy for a record fourth-time in the competition.

Shane Watson

All-rounder has shown form and consistency with the bat to remain one of the key players for Chennai Super League for the coming season. He decided to quit international cricket in 2016 in order to prolong his career in the T20 cricket. Last year, Watson scored 555 runs in 15 matches at an average of 39.64. Chennai Super Kings clinched third title courtesy of splendid century from Shane Watson against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The 37-year old is certainly proven performer for the franchise in the Indian Premier League. He certainly played a huge role in Chennai winning their third title. In 2018, Watson came back strongly with renewed vigor to prove his detractors wrong. Watson has been in splendid form and was instrumental in Quetta Gladiators winning their maiden crown in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL).

He will be looking to continue his rich vein of form with the bat in this year’s competition.

Ambati Rayudu

Middle-order batsman Ambati Rayudu will be looking to do well in this year’s competition. Rayudu proved to be surprise package in the batting department for Chennai Super Kings last season. He scored heavily and finished as the leading run-scorer for Chennai with 602 runs in 16 matches at an average of 43.00. Last year, he also smashed his maiden ton in the Indian Premier League. Rayudu will be looking to find form with the bat in this year’s tournament.

Chennai Super Kings will be hoping that Ambati Rayudu can rediscover his mojo with the bat in the coming season.

Players like Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina will need to deliver runs with the bat in order for Chennai to successfully defend their crown this season.