IPL 2019: 5 Key players to CSK's title defence

#5. Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir

The Pakistan-born South African cricketer, Imran Tahir is going to be a crucial player for the CSK in the tournament. Famous for his animated celebrations, Tahir is one of the most under-rated wrist spinners in the cricketing circles.

He is a good leg-spinner who has a knack of picking up wickets in the middle overs. His googly is tough to pick for any batsman, and he has this ability to bamboozle even the best in the business.

The wrist spinner has a decent IPL record with 53 wickets in 38 matches at an average of 22.26. Chennai pitches will assist the spin bowling and Dhoni will look up to Tahir to provide the crucial break-troughs in the middle. As evident from the past seasons, wrist spinners play a crucial role in the tournament, and Imran Tahir will be a key player to CSK's chances in the IPL 2019.

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#4. Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav

CSK bought Kedar Jadhav at a hefty amount in the auction ahead of the 2018 IPL, but he could have played only one match last season due to the injury. It was CSK’s tournament opener, where he had to retire hurt in the mid of his innings. However, he came back to help the team win a thriller. Learning the art of finishing from the ‘captain cool’ himself, Jadhav will be looking to make the most of this season and contribute heavily to the team’s success.

Since his return to the Indian team, his credentials as an ODI batsman have increased rapidly, and his low-arm, side-on off-spin will provide an extra bowling option to MS Dhoni. Jadhav is tough to pick as a bowler, and we can trust Dhoni to use him smartly in the spin-friendly conditions.