IPL 2019: Chennai Super Kings’ Best Possible XI against Royal Challengers Bangalore

Fast Bowlers: Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar and Lungi Ngidi

Ngidi hit the ground running last term

With so many spinning options in its ranks, the Yellow Army would most likely go in with three front-line quicks to supplement Watson and Bravo. And the three pacers I’ve gone for are Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi and Shardul Thakur.

Chahar was superb in CSK’s run to the title last season. The pacer’s trait of swinging the new ball caused several batsmen trouble and he invariably nipped a batsman or two out in the power-play. His new ball partner, Lungi Ngidi, wasn’t too shabby either.

The South African arrived late for the tournament owing to personal reasons. However, since being included, the fast-bowler was on fire as he scalped 11 wickets in 7 games at an astounding average of 14.18. To cap it off, he only conceded runs at an economy rate of 6.00.

Thus, CSK would be extremely naïve to ignore either Chahar or Ngidi.

Shardul Thakur, on the other hand, faced some stiff competition to get into the team. The lad from Mumbai impressed intermittently last term but came into his own in the latter stages. Though he faced stiff competition from the returning Mohit, the former’s pace and death bowling place him on a higher pedestal.

Also, Mohit has not played a lot of cricket recently and could be a little rusty. Shardul, meanwhile, would want to give out a strong message to the selectors before they get down to picking the World Cup squad.

Hence, the strongest possible fast-bowling battery CSK can put together for the opening game comprises of Shardul, Chahar and Ngidi.