IPL 2018: 4 Players who could be the ‘X-Factor’ for CSK

Chennai Super Kings are returning to the IPL after a two year ‘hiatus’ and would be itching to get back to winning ways.

The Chennai franchise is probably the most successful franchise in IPL history, having won the title twice and ending up as runners up on 4 occasions.

Also Read: CSK have almost decided Mitchell Santner’s replacement

The CSK think tank decided to retain the core of their side, with Dhoni, Raina, Jaddu, Bravo, du Plessis and Vijay being bought back by the franchise in their bid to win the IPL 2018.

And while the team looks solid on paper, having covered almost all its bases, it has received a lot of flak for having gone in for players who are aged above 30.

However, that shouldn’t bother CSK much, as they obviously had some thought process with respect to the players that they bid for, and have managed to assimilate a very good IPL team together.

Also Read: 5 Players who could replace Santner at CSK

CSK’s shrewd bidding could once again help them reach the summit of IPL.

Here are 4 players who could be the differentials for CSK:

1) Sam Billings

While Faf du Plessis is being touted as the go-to opener for CSK(along with Vijay), Sam Billings could prove to be a dark horse in the race to that opening spot.

And not just that, Billings can slot into the finisher’s role as well, if they indeed decide to go in with du Plessis up top.

Billings has been a regular member of the English T20 side as well, playing the finisher’s role there as he posseses the ability to not only manoeuvre the ball around but also use the long handle and tonk it all round the park.

Billings plied his trade with the Delhi Daredevils in the previous few seasons, scoring at a rate of 134.52 and with a good enough average of 22.6.

If used wisely, Billings could be the trump card for CSK in this IPL.