With four trophies in the bank, Chennai Super Kings is one of the most successful franchises in the league. Some of the legends of the game have donned the yellow jersey. Most of them have retired now and it is a new generation of CSK players who are taking the team forward. On that note, here, we take a look at the best-balanced Chennai Super Kings retired XI.
Note: This playing 11 is as of the start of IPL 2023.
Openers: Murali Vijay and Matthew Hayden
Murali Vijay stepped up for CSK on quite a few occasions. He played some match-winning knocks in key encounters and helped the franchise directly win trophies. Matthew Hayden was the winner of the Orange Cap in 2009. He also had a decent outing in the next season, as well. Hence, both these players are a part of this XI.
Middle-Order: Suresh Raina (C), Robin Uthappa (WK), Mike Hussey and S Badrinath
Suresh Raina will lead the squad while Robin Uthappa will keep wickets for this Chennai Super Kings retired XI. While Raina’s inclusion is a no-brainer, for the role of wicket-keeper, the recently retired Uthappa finds a place here. He helped CSK win the trophy in IPL 2021. Mike Hussey won the Orange Cap in 2013. He primarily opened the innings but for the balance of the squad, he bats at No.5 here. Badrinath pulled CSK out of a hole in many games. He was a floater and will remain so for this squad.
All-Rounders: Shane Watson, Dwayne Bravo and Albie Morkel
Shane Watson joined CSK only in 2018 but he attained legendary status, thanks to his brilliant outings with the bat. Bravo, with 154 wickets for CSK, is the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Albie Morkel, during his time, added a lot of balance and therefore, finds a place here.
Bowlers: Doug Bollinger and M Muralidaran
Bollinger and Muralidaran will be the specialist bowlers in this Chennai Super Kings retired XI. Bollinger was one of the better successful overseas pacers that CSK has used. He picked 55 wickets for them. Muralidaran was the leader of the spin attack for the first few years. Therefore, he also finds a place in the setup.
