IPL 2023 – Top 5 Players of the Chennai Super Kings in IPL history

The Chennai Super Kings have been one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League since its inception in 2008, winning the coveted trophy three times and consistently finishing in the top four. They have had some of the most iconic players in the league, who have contributed significantly to their success over the years. From explosive batsmen to wicket-taking bowlers, and from agile fielders to exceptional leaders, Chennai Super Kings have had it all. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the top 5 players of Chennai Super Kings in IPL history.

 

Number 1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni

 

 

MS Dhoni is undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures in the Indian Premier League’s history, and his name has become synonymous with Chennai Super Kings. He has captained the franchise since its inception in 2008 and has led them to four IPL titles, making him one of the most successful captains in the league’s history. With 234 matches under his belt, he is also the most capped player in IPL history, and his contributions to CSK’s success cannot be overstated.

Dhoni’s batting prowess is another reason why he is considered one of the best players in CSK’s history. He has scored 4978 runs at a strike rate of 135.24, with his ability to finish matches with his calm and composed approach being one of his defining traits. His wicket-keeping skills are equally impressive, and he has taken some crucial catches and stumpings over the years.

Off the field, Dhoni has shown his deep association with Chennai, with his co-ownership of a Chennai-based football franchise being just one example. He is also widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time and a legend of Indian cricket. His leadership skills, finishing abilities, and wicket-keeping prowess have made him an icon not just in Chennai Super Kings but in Indian cricket as a whole.

 

Number 2. Ravindra Jadeja

 

 

Ravindra Jadeja, the dynamic all-rounder, is undoubtedly one of the most valuable players of the Chennai Super Kings in IPL history. His versatility, both with bat and ball, has been a major factor in CSK’s success over the years. The left-hander has been an integral part of the team since 2012 and has been a consistent performer with impressive stats. With 2419 runs and 127 wickets to his name, Jadeja has been a crucial player in the team’s journey to IPL glory.

But that’s not all, his agility on the field has also been remarkable. Jadeja is one of the best fielders in the world and has taken 86 catches and effected 25 run-outs in IPL, making him a valuable asset in the team’s fielding department.

Jadeja’s remarkable performances have also earned him a place in the Indian national team across all formats. His contributions to the team’s victories have made him one of the best all-rounders in world cricket today. It is no surprise that Jadeja is a fan-favorite and a respected member of the Chennai Super Kings squad.

 

Number 3. Dwayne Bravo

 

 

Dwayne Bravo, the West Indian fast-bowling all-rounder, has left an indelible mark on the Chennai Super Kings in IPL history. Known for his ability to bat lower down the order and bowl at any stage of the innings, Bravo played for CSK from 2011-15 and 2018-22 and was a vital part of their success. His IPL record of 1579 runs at a strike rate of 128.7 and 183 wickets at an economy rate of 8.38 is a testament to his prowess. Not to mention, he is an exceptional fielder who has taken 74 catches in IPL.

Bravo’s brilliance is not limited to his performance for CSK alone. He is also the highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 183 scalps from 161 matches. The Jamaican cricketer has won two Purple Caps for being the highest wicket-taker in IPL seasons 2013 and 2015.

Bravo recently ended his IPL playing career and signed up with CSK as their bowling coach ahead of IPL 2023, a testament to his continued association with the team and his contributions to their success.

 

Number 4. Shane Watson

 

 

Shane Watson undoubtedly remains one of the best players in Chennai Super Kings’ IPL history. The hard-hitting opening batsman and the medium-pace bowler has been an integral part of the team’s success. Watson scored a whopping 3874 runs at a strike rate of 137.9 and bagged 92 wickets at an economy rate of 7.93 in the IPL. He was also a fine fielder who took 40 catches in the tournament.

Watson had won two IPL titles during his career, first with Rajasthan Royals in 2008, and then with CSK in 2018. His T20 heroics are etched in history, which includes an unbeaten 117 off 57 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final of IPL 2018 to secure CSK’s third title.

In IPL 2020, Watson bid farewell to his playing career with a valiant knock of 50 off 39 balls against Delhi Capitals while batting with a torn hamstring. He is widely acclaimed as one of the finest all-rounders in T20 cricket history, and his contribution to CSK’s success will always be remembered.

 

Number 5. Faf du Plessis

 

 

Faf du Plessis, with his consistent and elegant batting style, has been a cornerstone of Chennai Super Kings’ success in IPL history. As an opening batsman, he has the ability to play an anchor role or take on the bowlers as per the team’s needs. He has been a reliable performer for CSK, playing for them in multiple seasons from 2012-2015 and then from 2018-2022. In IPL, he has scored 3447 runs at an average of 34.47 and a strike rate of 129.9. He has also scored 25 fifties and a century in IPL, including an impressive knock of 95 off 60 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021.

Despite his contribution to CSK, Du Plessis moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of IPL 2022 after being released by CSK due to their retention policy. His skills and experience will surely be an asset to the RCB team.