IPL 2018: Retained players XI

Middle-order

Raina is the leading run-getter in the history of the IPL

Suresh Raina

While there have been plenty of players who have set the stage on fire in the IPL, there have been few who have been as consistent as Suresh Raina. The leading run-getter in the tournament's history will return to Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2018 and will look to recapture his form and force his way back into the Indian limited-overs side.

Rohit Sharma

The four-time IPL winner Rohit Sharma is another consistent performer who has been simply sensational throughout the course of the IPL. Aside from his incredible skills as a batsman, which he has demonstrated for India as well, his captaincy has helped Mumbai Indians claim three IPL titles, the most of any franchise. Unsurprisingly, he has been retained along with two young Indian stars as they hope to build a dynasty.

AB de Villiers

One of only seven players to have hit over 150 sixes in the IPL, AB de Villiers has made batting look incredibly easy at times. An average of almost 40 and a strike rate of nearly 150 show just how incredibly consistent he has been in the tournament. Among overseas players, only David Warner and Chris Gayle have scored more runs than AB, who also features in the top ten list of the highest run-scorers in the IPL.

MS Dhoni

After a two-year long wait, MS Dhoni will return to Chennai Super Kings. After leading the team to two IPL titles and two Champions League T20 wins, Dhoni will be looking to continue his impressive track record as captain when he returns to the franchise where he made his name.