IPL: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-time best XI

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are the only team, along with Mumbai Indians (MI), to have won the IPL five times. Hence, their fans have enjoyed success over the years, but in this ongoing season, things have not gone according to plan. 

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The five-time champions are already out of the playoff race, sitting at the bottom with just six points from 12 games and a net run rate of -0.992. However, that does not significantly impact the legacy that CSK, as a franchise, has built in this tournament over the years through various global cricketing icons.

MS Dhoni has been the heartbeat of this franchise and is still going strong at the age of 43. He should be the wicketkeeper and captain of CSK’s all-time best XI. The two openers should be Faf du Plessis and former Australia great Mike Hussey. Du Plessis can also bring his leadership skills as Dhoni’s deputy, and this pair also brings a left-hand-right-hand combination at the top.

At number three, Suresh Raina has to be there, as his records at that position make him irreplaceable. Another Aussie great, Shane Watson, can slot in at number four, although many of his outstanding contributions with the bat came as an opener. But his game style can suit him well as a number four batter.

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Followed by Dhoni at number five, the three all-rounders will be Dwayne Bravo and the Indian spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. The three pacers will be Deepak Chahar, Mohit Sharma, and Ashish Nehra. 

Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, this all-Indian pace attack worked wonders for CSK over many seasons, and CSK fans also saw Bravo’s impact with the ball—especially the way he bowled in the death overs using his clever slower deliveries.

This line-up also gives Dhoni seven bowling options, as Watson used to bowl whenever required, depending on the situation. Hence, with seven bowling options and eight batting options till Ashwin, this playing XI provides the perfect balance.             

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Here is the all-time best XI for CSK in the IPL

Faf du Plessis (Vice-Captain), Mike Hussey, Suresh Raina, Shane Watson, MS Dhoni (Captain and WK), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Deepak Chahar, Mohit Sharma, Ashish Nehra.

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