Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is the second-most successful franchise in the history of the Indian Premier League with three trophies. They are also the first team to have won consecutive titles in 2010 and 2011. This team has had its ups and downs in terms of their performance, but they remain one of the most dominant teams in the IPL. Let us have a look at Chennai Super Kings’ strongest playing XI if they play Test Cricket.
Openers – Matthew Hayden and Brendon McCullum
Matthew Hayden is known for his ability to score quickly in both Test and ODI. The powerful and aggressive left-handed opening batsman holds the record for the highest score (380 runs) made by an Australian batsman in Tests. This is also the record for the highest individual test score by an opening batsman in Tests.
On the other hand, Brendon McCullum is also one of those batsmen who took their abilities to score runs quickly to Test cricket. His highest score in Test cricket is 302 runs, which he scored against India in 2014. He was the first New Zealander to score a triple-hundred in Test cricket. Both, Hayden and McCullum are exceptional batsmen. Given the amount of experience they possess, they can prove to be a very efficient opening pair for this playing XI.
Middle-Order – Michael Hussey, Suresh Raina, and Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Mike Hussey was always determined to put on a show with his batting performances. His signature strokes were a visual treat. His accolades in Test cricket defined him as the batsman he was known to be later in his career.
Suresh Raina is arguably one of the finest Indian left-handed batsmen. He was the first Indian to hold a century in all three formats of cricket. His temperament and contributions towards his team on the field is what defines him as the player he is.
Moving on, Captain and wicket-keeper-batsman, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is by far, one of the most influential captains and players of the game of cricket. His determination, perseverance and belief in his team set him apart. His decision-making skills in tense situations are surreal. As Ravi Shastri rightfully said after Dhoni’s six to end the World Cup Final and emerge victoriously, “Dhoni finishes off in style.”
All-rounders – Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur
Perhaps one of the most reliable all-rounders that India has produced, Ravindra Jadeja has faced a lot of criticism in his career. This did not seem to faze him, as he defied all odds and proved his worth on the field with his exceptional all-round skills. His accuracy leaves the spectators in awe of his talents.
Shardul Thakur has proved his worth as an upcoming all-rounder. His role as a bowler does not go unnoticed and now, with his recent batting form, he seems to emerge as a reliable all-rounder.
Bottom-Order – Ravichandran Ashwin, Tim Southee, Harbhajan Singh, and Lakshmipathy Balaji
With his habit of picking up early wickets, Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the smartest Indian spinners. He is an extremely accurate and dependable spin bowler who can also perform well with the bat.
Tim Southee is known for his pace variations. He can cause some serious damages to a batting lineup with his vast repertoire of deliveries.
Known for his lethal off-spin bowling, Harbhajan Singh is one of the most experienced players produced by India. He makes his presence felt by picking up wickets with his variations of deliveries.
Lastly, Lakshmipathy Balaji is another such bowler who can make a difference. The amount of experience he holds, helps him pose a threat to the batting side.
