Only utility players
Chennai Super Kings have never gone for fancy names like Chris Gayle, Lasith Malinga, Keiron Pollard and Glenn Maxwell. CSK was a franchise of wisdom and coach Stephen Fleming was a shrewd captain himself so he went for those players who can accommodate in their philosophy of cricket.
They went for players who the need and fit the bill. These players were hungry to perform and in low in stature. Players like Dwayne Bravo, Faf du Plessis are star players, unlike the great Gayle and Malinga that helped CSK to maintain the unity of the team and win matches consistently.
CSK in each edition of the IPL keeps intact their core group of players. Their four foreigners were in the first couple of editions were Mike Hussey, Mathew Hayden and Faf du Plessis. These three did the opening job quite well. In the bowling department Ben Hilfenhaus, Makhya Ntini, Dougie Bollinger, Nuwan Kulasekara have been CSK’s go to bowlers over the years.
Dwayne Bravo, Chris Morris, Thilan Thushara and Albie Morkel are others who have done well for the Chennai-based franchise. They are not big boys of cricket but could rise to the occasion whenever needed.