IPL 2019: 3 bowlers who can help CSK in retaining the trophy

The 12th edition of IPL is just two weeks away. The opening match on March 23 will see defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Last year, riding on some excellent performances from the experienced players, CSK lifted the title for the third time as they made a successful return to IPL after serving two years ban. This year, the Chennai based franchise will again be one of the strongest contenders to win the trophy. Barring Mark Wood, CSK have retained all their players from last season.

Led by MS Dhoni and coached by Stephen Flemings, CSK’s historic strength has been the depth in their bowling department. Over the years, several star bowlers viz Muttiah Muralidharan, Makhaya Ntini have donned CSK jersey.

This year also they have a strong bowling lineup. In this article, we will shed a light on 3 key bowlers who can help CSK in retaining the trophy.

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#1 Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir

The T20 era has seen a return of the craft of wrist-spin. They are in vogue as they can turn the ball both ways. Batsmen often, due to volatile match scenario, don’t read the trajectory out of their hand which helps wrist-spinners in transcending the big bats, flat pitches and small boundaries.

South African Imran Tahir is one such wrist-spinner in T20 landscape who has troubled the batsmen across the world. Tahir has been retained by CSK for 12th edition and will play a pivotal role during middle-overs. Like modern leg-spinners, he bowls quicker in the air – in excess of 90 km/h – and doesn’t give batsman any breathing space.

In 37 T20Is for South Africa, the 39-year-old veteran has picked up 62 wickets at an economy of just 6.77 including two five-wicket hauls. If Tahir shines, oppositions will have their task cut out.

#2 Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo

Trinidadian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is one of the best death-overs bowlers in T20 cricket’s history. Bravo owns a wide range of variations to keep a check on batsmen during the latter stages of the innings. It is, especially, his mastery over slower balls that makes him difficult to pick. He often uses slow yorkers, slow-ball bouncers to deprive batsmen of any pace to work with.

He has won purple cap (given to tournament’s highest wicket-taker) twice - in 2013 and 2015 - and CSK reached finals on both occasions.

With 15 wickets in 16 matches in this year’s Big Bash League (BBL), Bravo was Melbourne Star’s highest wicket-taker - helping them to reach finals. It was his economy rate of 7.97 that was the most impressive. Add to this, Bravo is also a power hitter down the order and possess a wealth of experience. If he can repeat his heroics, then CSK will stand a good chance of winning the trophy.

#3 Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi

South African fast-bowler Lungi Ngidi is expected to share the new ball with Deepak Chahar. Last year, CSK bought the services of Ngidi for INR 50 Lakhs after he impressed everyone in Test series against India where he claimed a 6-wicket haul on his debut.

The 22-year-old upcoming star bowls in high 130s and early 140s, and has the ability to swing the new ball. At the back end of the innings, the right arm pacer uses yorkers and bowls back of the length balls to contain the batsmen.

In 7 T20Is for South Africa, he has picked up 11 wickets with best of 19/4. Most recently, he helped South Africa to defend a target of 252 against Sri Lanka by taking 2 wickets for just 14 runs in 5.2 overs. If Ngidi delivers for CSK and compliments Bravo at the back end of the innings, CSK will form one of the strongest bowling lineups in the upcoming season.