IPL 2019: Chennai Super Kings' strongest possible playing XI

Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner

Chennai should consider themselves unlucky not to have Mitchell Santner last season as the Kiwi all-rounder injured himself before the tournament and was ruled out of action for the next few months. Santner is a utility cricketer as he quietly goes about his job whenever he takes the field. This season he will be available for the whole season as New Zealand Cricket has allowed their players to play the whole IPL in spite of the World Cup starting a few days after the completion of the tournament. Having someone like Santner at number eight shows the batting depth Chennai possess in their line-up.

Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar

In the 2018 IPL, one of the main reasons for Chennai's victory is the performance of their fast bowler Deepak Chahar with the new ball and knowing his strengths, skipper MS Dhoni always finished off his quota of overs inside the eighth over when the ball is still new. Thanks to his brilliant performances, Chahar made it to the national team and went on to play a solitary T20I for India. This season, he will be expected to replicate his success from last year and if he manages to do so, chances of Chennai Super Kings retaining their title will be more. He can also be a handy batsman coming in at number nine.