IPL 2019: 3 CSK players whose performance will be keenly observed by the selectors

The 12th edition of Indian Premier League is less than 6 months away and already teams have started their preparations for the upcoming season. Chennai Super Kings led by M.S.Dhoni won the previous edition of IPL that was concluded earlier this year and will enter the twelfth season as the favorites to win the season again.

Chennai Super Kings didn't invest much in the auctions that were concluded a few weeks ago. They got back Mohit Sharma who had played for them in 2013 and 2014, and also roped in an uncapped player in the form of Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Chennai Super Kings is a team with a mix of veterans as well as youngsters. While the youngsters would utilize the opportunity to showcase their talents in the bigger stage, the veterans would try to make the fullest of the opportunity as it would determine their careers going into the future.

Let us look at 3 Indian players who would need to perform out of their skin to secure their spot in the national team.

---

#3 Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu scored 602 runs in the 2018 season

Ambati Rayudu, who was an important cog for Mumbai Indians since 2010-2017 was bought by Chennai Super Kings for the 2018 season. After being promoted to bat as an opener, the right-handed batsman has scored 602 runs at an impressive average of 43.00 and at a strike-rate of 149.75.

Despite putting up a terrific performance with the bat, the right-handed batsman couldn't find a spot in the national side for the England tour as he failed the fitness test. However, he was back in action representing the National side for the Asia Cup.

After putting up decent performances with the bat, Ambati Rayudu had some good scores in the West Indies series. Unfortunately, he was again at the receiving end as he couldn't find a spot in the T20 series against Australia.

However, the selectors have shown some faith and he was picked for the ODI series against Australia that starts in January. This along with the IPL season in 2019 will be the final opportunity for the 33-year-old as a string of failures could well result in him being out of the squad for the ICC World Cup 2019.

#2 Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav played only one game in the 2018 season

Kedar Jadhav has been a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League since 2010. The right-handed batsman has represented 3 IPL franchises before moving to Chennai Super Kings for the 2018 season. However, his luck ran out as he was injured in the very first game and couldn't take part for the rest of the season.

In the only game he played, Jadhav had scored a quickfire 24* that helped CSK win the game against Mumbai Indians. Post-IPL, Jadhav had a lay off for 5 months and he was back in action playing for the Indian Team in the Asia Cup that took place in September.

After playing a couple of games in the West Indies series, Kedar was dropped again for the T20 series against Australia. Fortunately, he has been picked for the 3 match ODI series against Australia that will take place in January.

Considering that his age and with heavy competition in the national team, Kedar Jadhav's performance in the ODI series as well as in the upcoming IPL will determine his fate for the upcoming ICC World Cup.

#1 Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina had a moderate IPL 2018

Suresh Raina is regarded as one of the best T20I players that India has ever produced. Considering the reputation and potential of Suresh Raina, it has to be said that the left-handed batsman has had somewhat of a quieter IPL 2018.

In the 15 games, Raina scored 445 runs at an average of 37.08 and at a strike-rate of 132.44, which is average by his standards. Post-IPL, Suresh Raina was picked in the squad for the T20I series against Ireland and England followed by the three-match ODI series against England.

After putting up moderate performances with the bat in the English season, Suresh Raina lost his place from the national team for the Asia Cup that took place in September. His bad phase continued as the selectors couldn't show faith in him for the T20I series as well as the ODI series against Australia.

Hence, this presents an ideal opportunity for Suresh Raina to showcase his real talent in the upcoming IPL season. If he manages to pull off an excellent season with the bat, he might just be in contention for a place in the squad for the ICC World Cup.