Chennai Super Kings’ All-Time IPL Eleven

The iconic Chennai Super Kings are coming back!

After a two-year hiatus, CSK will return to the IPL and take on the defending champions, Mumbai Indians in the first match of the season.

The two-year ban imposed on CSK was quite unfortunate for the league as a whole, as it robbed us of one of the most iconic teams in IPL history.

No team was more consistent than CSK in the first eight years of the league, as the Chennai side reached the final on six occasions and lifted the title in 2010 and 2011.

Here we look at CSK’s all-time IPL XI!

OPENERS

Micheal Hussey

CSK have always relied on a foreign star to be their opener, as the likes of Hayden, Smith and McCullum have all found success with the Chennai franchise over the years.

But it was Michael Huseey who stood out, as the Aussie star was the best opener that the side ever had. Hussey’s ability to anchor the innings allowed others to express themselves, as the Aussie held fort at one end.

Murali Vijay

The Vijay-Hussey partnership was CSK’s most reliable opening pair for the Chennai franchise, as the pair formed a very profitable partnership for many years.

Vijay’s attacking flair was complemented by Hussey’s steady presence, as the pair wrecked havoc on many bowlers in the league.

Now a test match specialist, Vijay was at one point India’s number one opening choice in the IPL. Here’s hoping Vijay rediscovers that form in the upcoming season.

MIDDLE ORDER

Suresh Raina

The best batsman in IPL history, Suresh Raina is a bonafide legend and will always be fondly remembered for his time with the CSK outfit.

Raina’s range of strokes made him very difficult to contain, as the left hander was able to cart the bowlers to all corners of the cricket field.

Now back with CSK, Raina will be hoping to reproduce the form that made him such a fan favourite at the Chepauk.

Subramaniam Badrinath

One of CSK’s original stars, Badrinath acted as an insurance for the side, as he would always shift up and down the line-up for the best interests of the team.

He scored 12 fifties for the Chennai side, and was indispensable for most of his time with CSK. An under rated, but extremely vital cog of the old CSK side.

MS Dhoni (captain)

MS Dhoni was a wicket-keeper, finisher and captain all rolled into one, as he was the most valuable asset that CSK ever possessed.

In spite of always coming low down the order, Dhoni has scored 3561 runs in his IPL career, with a brilliant average of 37.88 at a strike rate of 136.75.

Then of course there was his captaincy, under which CSK won two IPL and two Champions League trophies.

A legend among legends.

Dwayne Bravo

Bravo started off his career as an exciting batsman who was able to provide a couple of decent overs with the ball.

Today, Bravo is legendary T20 bowler, who has won the purple cap twice in 2013 and 2015. The smiling West Indian was a vital cog in the CSK outfit, and was Dhoni’s most bankable death overs bowler.

He will be hoping to put in similar performances for the Chennai side in the upcoming season as well.

Albie Morkel

A powerful hitter at the death and a more than capable bowler with the new ball, Albie Morkel was made for T20 cricket.

Dhoni was lucky to have him, as the South African put in some superb performances with both bat and ball during his time with CSK.

BOWLERS

Ravindra Jadeja

Bought for a record price in the 2012 auction, Jadeja was crucial cog for CSK, as his all-round capabilities made him a star for the Chennai outfit.

In Jadeja you had a brilliant bowler, hard hitting batsman and an outstanding fielder, making him the quintessential T20 player to have in your side.

Ravichandran Ashwin

One of the biggest discoveries from IPL, Ravi Ashwin was MS Dhoni’s most trusted lieutenant with the ball.

Ashwin picked up 120 wickets at a miserly economy of 6.66 for CSK, as the Tamil Nadu bowler became a star with Chennai franchise.

A CSK legend if there ever was one.

Doug Bollinger

Bollinger became a star for CSK before he became a regular in the Aussie line-up, as the fast bowler played a crucial role in CSK’s 2010 and 2011 title wins.

He picked up 55 wickets in 41 matches for Chennai, and will be fondly remembered for his wonderful displays with the ball.

Mohit Sharma

An under rated T20 bowler, Mohit Sharma had a wonderful time between 2012-2015, as the pace bowler quickly rose up the ranks.

Sharma was the Purple Cap winner in 2014, and his rave performances also earned him a call-up to India’s 2015 World Cup squad.

Another under rated star for CSK!