IPL 2019: Three ways Chennai Super Kings can line up after Ngidi's injury

#1 Play an extra batsman

Du Plessis would add firepower to the batting

CSK has an embarrassment of riches on the all-rounder front. The likes of Shane Watson, Dwayne Bravo, Santner and Jadeja are all ‘A-grade’ all-rounders whereas Suresh Raina and Kedar Jadhav have proven themselves with the ball before.

Hence, with a plethora of bowling alternatives at their disposal, they might even consider replacing a premier fast-bowler with an extra batsman. Faf du Plessis and Sam Billings are very effective with the willow. The latter announced himself on the IPL stage last term as his blistering innings led CSK past Kolkata Knight Riders in their only encounter at Chennai.

As for the former, the South African has come up trumps in clutch situations previously. His titanic knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 1st Qualifier a testament to the fact.

Hence, the aforementioned cricketers have proven their mettle time and again and one can expect them to withstand anything the IPL opener could throw at them. Apart from the duo’s pedigree, RCB’s Achilles heel has long been their bowling. Thus, CSK could try to exploit the said suit by throwing down their gauntlet of power-hitters.

At this juncture, predicting the line-up of any team is easier said than done. Yet, one just gets the feeling that arming themselves with the additional batsman could be the perfect recipe for success for CSK.