The Chennai Super Kings are one of the most successful IPL teams ever. They are often regarded as a side to beat and never fail to pick good and balanced squads. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-gautam-gambhir-tries-to-decipher-the-secret-of-csks-success/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CSK</strong></a> won the IPL thrice in 9 years now and have made it to the final 7 times. These statistics prove the fact as to why they are regarded as such a dominant team.

They emerged as the champions in IPL 2018 and just lost 5 games throughout the season out of the 16 games that were played. Two of these five games were quite close and could have gone either way. They were not easy to defeat and seemed to be quite a well-rounded side. Chennai Super Kings had a new match-winner in every game and it was tough to predict which player would go well.

Hence, to beat such a champion side as this, we need to have an equally competitive XI as well. So, here is the best IPL XI that could give a stern competition to Chennai Super Kings and defeat them. Note that the side has been picked keeping Chennai Super Kings strengths in mind and also based on player stats for 2018.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-253550" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-6.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-253550" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab&#8217;s Lokesh Rahul. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption>

KL Rahul has started his IPL journey in 2015 with the Sunrisers Hyderabad and has come a long way since then. He is one of the most elegant yet destructive T20 players around the world. KL is one of the sweetest timers of the cricket ball and has the ability to send the ball into the orbits with a mere punch. He has carried the responsibilities of the KXIP batting lineup almost single-handedly this season and it is a pity that no one else could support him.

IPL 2018 was probably one of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-kl-rahul-hardik-pandyas-wish-bring-jersey-swap-ritual-cricket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>KL Rahul</strong></a>&#8216;s best season thus far. He was consistent, scored at a good rate and was very clinical with the gloves. Although he doesn&#8217;t have to keep in this XI, he will be the most important batsman and is expected to bat through the innings. KL has scored 659 runs in 14 games this season at an average close to 55 and has also struck IPL&#8217;s fastest 50 ever this season. He was unfortunate not to have got to 100 despite getting to the 90&#8217;s twice.<br>

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-251993" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sunil-Narine-2.jpg" alt="Sunil Narine" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-251993" class="wp-caption-text">Sunil Narine of Kolkata Knight Riders in action. (Photo by Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption>

Sunil Narine was the most valuable player of the 2018 season. He has performed exceptionally well this season in all the departments of the game. He will open the innings alongside KL Rahul and edges out Jos Buttler because of his ability to bowl. It is always important in T20s to go in with a sixth bowler because it is a format that favours the batsmen more than the bowlers.

Hence, Sunil Narine will be the preferred choice in this XI considering the dynamics of the XI. He has scored 357 runs this season in 16 games at a strike rate of 190 which is fabulous for a bowler like him. Although he isn&#8217;t as feared by the batsmen as he earlier was, Narine still is a great T20 bowler and often questions the batsman with his bowling. He picked 17 wickets this season mostly bowling in the powerplays and his economy was under 8.

3. Kane Williamson (C) | Sunrisers Hyderabad

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-253330" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson-4.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson in the IPL" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-253330" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad&#8217;s Kane Williamson. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption>

It is essential to have the depth in batting when you go in with a player like Sunil Narine to open the innings. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-kane-williamson-feels-privileged-after-leading-srh-to-the-final/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kane</strong></a> will have to always be ready batting at No 3 as there is no guarantee as to how much time Narine can sustain himself in the middle. He has played somewhat this kind of role with SRH and should have no problems doing it again. Also, he will be leading the side as he was one of the best skippers in the 2018 edition. He would be the right man to counter MS Dhoni&#8217;s strategies at the other end.

Kane Williamson was also the &#8216;Orange Cap&#8217; winner this season. He has scored 735 runs in 17 games proving that T20 cricket is not all about power hitting. He has the ability to shift gears once he gets in and with the batsmen coming after him, he can play with a lot more freedom unlike the case with SRH. Kane has scored 206 runs in 4 games against SRH this year and selects himself automatically into this side.

4. Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bangalore

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-250929" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-3.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-250929" class="wp-caption-text">Royal Challengers Bangalore&#8217;s Virat Kohli celebrates his half-century. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

Virat Kohli wasn&#8217;t up to the mark with his captaincy this season and his strategies were often questioned. He has also made some strange calls on the field and hence will be relieved of this burden in this XI. However, his suggestions will be invaluable to Kane and will play the perfect deputy to him. Virat has a quite impressive record with the bat against CSK and likes the challenge when he has to play the big teams.

Although he wasn&#8217;t as consistent as expected this year, he is still one of the leading run scorers. He has scored 530 runs in 14 games at an average close to 50 and will add some great stability to this lineup. Batting at No 4, he can comfortably assess the situation of the game and adapt accordingly.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-250873" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rishabh-Pant-7.jpg" alt="Rishabh Pant" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-250873" class="wp-caption-text">Delhi Daredevils&#8217; Rishabh Pant in action. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

Rishabh Pant was one of the standout performers of IPL 2018. This was his best ever IPL season and was striking the ball as well as any other great batsman in the world. Despite his heroics this season, DD failed to do well. However, this XI will provide him with the perfect platform to express himself. Being cushioned in between great batsmen is an added advantage.

Pant is the second leading run scorer this season and was just mind-blowing. He took on a great bowling lineup in Sunrisers Hyderabad and scored a fabulous century against them. Overall, he has scored 684 runs in the season in 14 games at an average over 50 and will be a great addition to the side.

6. Dinesh Karthik (WK) | Kolkata Knight Riders

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-254567" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Dinesh-Karthik-1.jpg" alt="Dinesh Karthik" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-254567" class="wp-caption-text">Dinesh Karthik of Kolkata Knight Riders in action. (Photo by Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-kkr-skipper-dinesh-karthiks-expression-gratitude/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dinesh Karthik</strong></a>, the batsman, came into great prominence after the Nidahas Trophy final. That was one of his best nights ever and proved to the world how good a batsman he could be. He will assume the finishers&#8217; role in the side and will have to adapt his game according to the situation. Karthik will also double up as the wicketkeeper in the side.

This season, Karthik has scored 498 runs at an average of almost 50 batting lower down the order for KKR. He was clinical with his glovework and there weren&#8217;t many mistakes. Batting down the order, he will have to bring his best game out in order to be able to beat a side like CSK.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-248000" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hardik-Pandya-1.jpg" alt="Hardik Pandya" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-248000" class="wp-caption-text">Mumbai Indians&#8217; Hardik Pandya in action. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption>

Hardik Pandya hasn&#8217;t had the best of seasons with the bat. This was probably the first time ever that his bowling was lauded more than his batting. Although many would disagree fielding Pandya in this XI, this is more of a strategic move to play on the minds of CSK. Everyone is familiar towards MSD&#8217;s love towards bowling spin in the middle overs.

Pandya is one of the most destructive players against spin and can be used as a floater in the lineup. He can be given the licence to go after the spinners to push MS Dhoni out of his comfort zone. Hardik will also take up the role of the sixth bowler in the side. He has picked 18 wickets in 13 games this year and will come in more than handy. With the bat, he has scored 260 runs in the season.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-255481" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rashid.jpg" alt="Rashid Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-255481" class="wp-caption-text">Rashid Khan of Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Photo by Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rashid-khan-should-be-the-prime-minister-of-afghanistan-says-farokh-engineer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rashid Khan</strong></a> was one of the triumph cards for Kane Williamson this season. Although his record against the CSK batsmen wasn&#8217;t as great this season, the fear in their minds will just do. Along with Sunil Narine, he could play a more destructive role and will also come handy with the bat if the need be.

One of the best leg-spinners from around the world, he is sure to curtail the scoring rates if not to pick wickets. With his performance this season, Rashid now also holds the record for most wickets by a leg-spinner in a single season surpassing Shane Warne. He has picked 21 wickets in 17 games this season and played a crucial role in helping SRH go the distance.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-252281" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Andrew-Tye-2.jpg" alt="Andrew Tye" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-252281" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab&#8217;s Andrew Tye celebrates fall of Suryakumar Yadav&#8217;s wicket. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption>

Andrew Tye created a havoc with his performances this season. Although he went about his work quite silently, he terrorised the oppositions enough this season. Batsmen have struggled to pick his slower balls and even the best in the business were outfoxed by his brilliance.

He was the leading wicket-taker in 2018 and obviously, the winner of the &#8216;Purple Cap&#8217;. Tye has bagged 24 wickets in just 14 games at an average under 19. He has picked three 4-wicket hauls this season and due to these performances, he will take the place of the fourth overseas player in the side.

10. Kuldeep Yadav | Kolkata Knight Riders

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-255310" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kuldeep-Yadav-2.jpg" alt="Kuldeep Yadav" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-255310" class="wp-caption-text">Kuldeep Yadav of Kolkata Knight Riders celebrates. (Photo by Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption>

Kuldeep Yadav will take the place of the third spinner in the side. He was one of the best Indian spinners in the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League. Kuldeep has bowled really well in the middle overs and restricted the batsmen. Having Narine, Kuldeep and Rashid in the side will force the batsmen to go after at least one of them and might get wickets for the team.

Kuldeep Yadav also has a very good record against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/list-of-records-and-milestones-ms-dhoni-achieved-in-ipl-2018/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MS Dhoni</strong></a> who was in brilliant form this season. It is very important to restrict a player like him and Kuldeep could be ideal for the job. In 2018, Yadav has picked 17 wickets at an average of 25. His tally is highest among the Indian spinners.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-247061" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jasprit-Bumrah.jpg" alt="Jasprit Bumrah" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-247061" class="wp-caption-text">Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Jasprit Bumrah was handled well by the oppositions this year. Most of the teams had their plans set for one of the best T20 bowlers around the world. Bumrah failed to get his yorkers right this year and the fatigue due to excessive workload could have affected his performances.

However, Bumrah still ended the league as one of the highest wicket-takers. He has picked 17 wickets in 14 games this season at an average of 22. Furthermore, he is known to have maintained a good record against many of the CSK batsmen which is an added advantage.

<p>The Chennai Super Kings are one of the most successful IPL teams ever. They are often regarded as a side to beat and never fail to pick good and balanced squads. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-gautam-gambhir-tries-to-decipher-the-secret-of-csks-success/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CSK</strong></a> won the IPL thrice in 9 years now and have made it to the final 7 times. These statistics prove the fact as to why they are regarded as such a dominant team.</p>
<p>They emerged as the champions in IPL 2018 and just lost 5 games throughout the season out of the 16 games that were played. Two of these five games were quite close and could have gone either way. They were not easy to defeat and seemed to be quite a well-rounded side. Chennai Super Kings had a new match-winner in every game and it was tough to predict which player would go well.</p>
<p>Hence, to beat such a champion side as this, we need to have an equally competitive XI as well. So, here is the best IPL XI that could give a stern competition to Chennai Super Kings and defeat them. Note that the side has been picked keeping Chennai Super Kings strengths in mind and also based on player stats for 2018.</p>
<h3>1. KL Rahul | Kings XI Punjab</h3>
<figure id="attachment_253550" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-253550" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-253550" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-6.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-253550" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab’s Lokesh Rahul. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>KL Rahul has started his IPL journey in 2015 with the Sunrisers Hyderabad and has come a long way since then. He is one of the most elegant yet destructive T20 players around the world. KL is one of the sweetest timers of the cricket ball and has the ability to send the ball into the orbits with a mere punch. He has carried the responsibilities of the KXIP batting lineup almost single-handedly&nbsp;this season and it is a pity that no one else could support him.</p>
<p>IPL 2018 was probably one of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-kl-rahul-hardik-pandyas-wish-bring-jersey-swap-ritual-cricket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>KL Rahul</strong></a>‘s best season thus far. He was consistent, scored at a good rate and was very clinical with the gloves. Although he doesn’t have to keep in this XI, he will be the most important batsman and is expected to bat through the innings. KL has scored 659 runs in 14 games this season at an average close to 55 and has also struck IPL’s fastest 50 ever this season. He was unfortunate not to have got to 100 despite getting to the 90’s twice.<br>
</p>
<h3>2. Sunil Narine | Kolkata Knight Riders</h3>
<figure id="attachment_251993" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-251993" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-251993" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sunil-Narine-2.jpg" alt="Sunil Narine" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-251993" class="wp-caption-text">Sunil Narine of Kolkata Knight Riders in action. (Photo by Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Sunil Narine was the most valuable player of the 2018 season. He has performed exceptionally well this season in all the departments of the game. He will open the innings alongside KL Rahul and edges out Jos Buttler because of his ability to bowl. It is always important in T20s to go in with a sixth bowler because it is a format that favours the batsmen more than the bowlers.</p>
<p>Hence, Sunil Narine will be the preferred choice in this XI considering the dynamics of the XI. He has scored 357 runs this season in 16 games at a strike rate of 190 which is fabulous for a bowler like him. Although he isn’t as feared by the batsmen as he earlier was, Narine still is a great T20 bowler and often questions the batsman with his bowling. He picked 17 wickets this season mostly bowling in the powerplays and his economy was under 8.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>3. Kane Williamson (C) | Sunrisers Hyderabad</h3>
<figure id="attachment_253330" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-253330" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-253330" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson-4.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson in the IPL" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-253330" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Kane Williamson. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>It is essential to have the depth in batting when you go in with a player like Sunil Narine to open the innings. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-kane-williamson-feels-privileged-after-leading-srh-to-the-final/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kane</strong></a> will have to always be ready batting at No 3 as there is no guarantee as to how much time Narine can sustain himself in the middle. He has played somewhat this kind of role with SRH and should have no problems doing it again. Also, he will be leading the side as he was one of the best skippers in the 2018 edition. He would be the right man to counter MS Dhoni’s strategies at the other end.</p>
<p>Kane Williamson was also the ‘Orange Cap’ winner this season. He has scored 735 runs in 17 games proving that T20 cricket is not all about power hitting. He has the ability to shift gears once he gets in and with the batsmen coming after him, he can play with a lot more freedom unlike the case with SRH. Kane has scored 206 runs in 4 games against SRH this year and selects himself automatically into this side.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>4. Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bangalore</h3>
<figure id="attachment_250929" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-250929" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-250929" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-3.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-250929" class="wp-caption-text">Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Virat Kohli celebrates his half-century. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Virat Kohli wasn’t up to the mark with his captaincy this season and his strategies were often questioned. He has also made some strange calls on the field and hence will be relieved of this burden in this XI. However, his suggestions will be invaluable to Kane and will play the perfect deputy to him. Virat has a quite impressive record with the bat against CSK and likes the challenge when he has to play the big teams.</p>
<p>Although he wasn’t as consistent as expected this year, he is still one of the leading run scorers. He has scored 530 runs in 14 games at an average close to 50 and will add some great stability to this lineup. Batting at No 4, he can comfortably assess the situation of the game and adapt accordingly.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>5. Rishabh Pant | Delhi Daredevils</h3>
<figure id="attachment_250873" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-250873" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-250873" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rishabh-Pant-7.jpg" alt="Rishabh Pant" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-250873" class="wp-caption-text">Delhi Daredevils’ Rishabh Pant in action. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Rishabh Pant was one of the standout performers of IPL 2018. This was his best ever IPL season and was striking the ball as well as any other great batsman in the world. Despite his heroics this season, DD failed to do well. However, this XI will provide him with the perfect platform to express himself. Being cushioned in between great batsmen is an added advantage.</p>
<p>Pant is the second leading run scorer this season and was just mind-blowing. He took on a great bowling lineup in Sunrisers Hyderabad and scored a fabulous century against them. Overall, he has scored 684 runs in the season in 14 games at an average over 50 and will be a great addition to the side.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>6. Dinesh Karthik (WK) | Kolkata Knight Riders</h3>
<figure id="attachment_254567" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-254567" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-254567" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Dinesh-Karthik-1.jpg" alt="Dinesh Karthik" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-254567" class="wp-caption-text">Dinesh Karthik of Kolkata Knight Riders in action. (Photo by Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-kkr-skipper-dinesh-karthiks-expression-gratitude/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dinesh Karthik</strong></a>, the batsman, came into great prominence after the Nidahas Trophy final. That was one of his best nights ever and proved to the world how good a batsman he could be. He will assume the finishers’ role in the side and will have to adapt his game according to the situation. Karthik will also double up as the wicketkeeper in the side.</p>
<p>This season, Karthik has scored 498 runs at an average of almost 50 batting lower down the order for KKR. He was clinical with his glovework and there weren’t many mistakes. Batting down the order, he will have to bring his best game out in order to be able to beat a side like CSK.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>7. Hardik Pandya | Mumbai Indians</h3>
<figure id="attachment_248000" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-248000" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-248000" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hardik-Pandya-1.jpg" alt="Hardik Pandya" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-248000" class="wp-caption-text">Mumbai Indians’ Hardik Pandya in action. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Hardik Pandya hasn’t had the best of seasons with the bat. This was probably the first time ever that his bowling was lauded more than his batting. Although many would disagree fielding Pandya in this XI, this is more of a strategic move to play on the minds of CSK. Everyone is familiar towards MSD’s love towards bowling spin in the middle overs.</p>
<p>Pandya is one of the most destructive players against spin and can be used as a floater in the lineup. He can be given the licence to go after the spinners to push MS Dhoni out of his comfort zone. Hardik will also take up the role of the sixth bowler in the side. He has picked 18 wickets in 13 games this year and will come in more than handy. With the bat, he has scored 260 runs in the season.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>8. Rashid Khan | Sunrisers Hyderabad</h3>
<figure id="attachment_255481" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-255481" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-255481" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rashid.jpg" alt="Rashid Khan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-255481" class="wp-caption-text">Rashid Khan of Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Photo by Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rashid-khan-should-be-the-prime-minister-of-afghanistan-says-farokh-engineer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rashid Khan</strong></a> was one of the triumph cards for Kane Williamson this season. Although his record against the CSK batsmen wasn’t as great this season, the fear in their minds will just do. Along with Sunil Narine, he could play a more destructive role and will also come handy with the bat if the need be.</p>
<p>One of the best leg-spinners from around the world, he is sure to curtail the scoring rates if not to pick wickets. With his performance this season, Rashid now also holds the record for most wickets by a leg-spinner in a single season surpassing Shane Warne. He has picked 21 wickets in 17 games this season and played a crucial role in helping SRH go the distance.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>9. Andrew Tye | Kings XI Punjab</h3>
<figure id="attachment_252281" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-252281" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-252281" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Andrew-Tye-2.jpg" alt="Andrew Tye" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-252281" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab’s Andrew Tye celebrates fall of Suryakumar Yadav’s wicket. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Andrew Tye created a havoc with his performances this season. Although he went about his work quite silently, he terrorised the oppositions enough this season. Batsmen have struggled to pick his slower balls and even the best in the business were outfoxed by his brilliance.</p>
<p>He was the leading wicket-taker in 2018 and obviously, the winner of the ‘Purple Cap’. Tye has bagged 24 wickets in just 14 games at an average under 19. He has picked three 4-wicket hauls this season and due to these performances, he will take the place of the fourth overseas player in the side.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>10. Kuldeep Yadav | Kolkata Knight Riders</h3>
<figure id="attachment_255310" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-255310" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-255310" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kuldeep-Yadav-2.jpg" alt="Kuldeep Yadav" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-255310" class="wp-caption-text">Kuldeep Yadav of Kolkata Knight Riders celebrates. (Photo by Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Kuldeep Yadav will take the place of the third spinner in the side. He was one of the best Indian spinners in the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League. Kuldeep has bowled really well in the middle overs and restricted the batsmen. Having Narine, Kuldeep and Rashid in the side will force the batsmen to go after at least one of them and might get wickets for the team.</p>
<p>Kuldeep Yadav also has a very good record against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/list-of-records-and-milestones-ms-dhoni-achieved-in-ipl-2018/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MS Dhoni</strong></a> who was in brilliant form this season. It is very important to restrict a player like him and Kuldeep could be ideal for the job. In 2018, Yadav has picked 17 wickets at an average of 25. His tally is highest among the Indian spinners.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>11. Jasprit Bumrah | Mumbai Indians</h3>
<figure id="attachment_247061" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-247061" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-247061" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jasprit-Bumrah.jpg" alt="Jasprit Bumrah" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-247061" class="wp-caption-text">Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Jasprit Bumrah was handled well by the oppositions this year. Most of the teams had their plans set for one of the best T20 bowlers around the world. Bumrah failed to get his yorkers right this year and the fatigue due to excessive workload could have affected his performances.</p>
<p>However, Bumrah still ended the league as one of the highest wicket-takers. He has picked 17 wickets in 14 games this season at an average of 22. Furthermore, he is known to have maintained a good record against many of the CSK batsmen which is an added advantage.</p>

<p>The Chennai Super Kings are one of the most successful IPL teams ever. They are often regarded as a side to beat and never fail to pick good and balanced squads. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-gautam-gambhir-tries-to-decipher-the-secret-of-csks-success/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CSK</strong></a> won the IPL thrice in 9 years now and have made it to the final 7 times. These statistics prove the fact as to why they are regarded as such a dominant team.</p>
<p>They emerged as the champions in IPL 2018 and just lost 5 games throughout the season out of the 16 games that were played. Two of these five games were quite close and could have gone either way. They were not easy to defeat and seemed to be quite a well-rounded side. Chennai Super Kings had a new match-winner in every game and it was tough to predict which player would go well.</p>
<p>Hence, to beat such a champion side as this, we need to have an equally competitive XI as well. So, here is the best IPL XI that could give a stern competition to Chennai Super Kings and defeat them. Note that the side has been picked keeping Chennai Super Kings strengths in mind and also based on player stats for 2018.</p>
<h3>1. KL Rahul | Kings XI Punjab</h3>
<figure id="attachment_253550" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-253550" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-253550" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-6.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-253550" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab&#8217;s Lokesh Rahul. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>KL Rahul has started his IPL journey in 2015 with the Sunrisers Hyderabad and has come a long way since then. He is one of the most elegant yet destructive T20 players around the world. KL is one of the sweetest timers of the cricket ball and has the ability to send the ball into the orbits with a mere punch. He has carried the responsibilities of the KXIP batting lineup almost single-handedly this season and it is a pity that no one else could support him.</p>
<p>IPL 2018 was probably one of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-kl-rahul-hardik-pandyas-wish-bring-jersey-swap-ritual-cricket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>KL Rahul</strong></a>&#8216;s best season thus far. He was consistent, scored at a good rate and was very clinical with the gloves. Although he doesn&#8217;t have to keep in this XI, he will be the most important batsman and is expected to bat through the innings. KL has scored 659 runs in 14 games this season at an average close to 55 and has also struck IPL&#8217;s fastest 50 ever this season. He was unfortunate not to have got to 100 despite getting to the 90&#8217;s twice.<br>
</p>
<h3>2. Sunil Narine | Kolkata Knight Riders</h3>
<figure id="attachment_251993" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-251993" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-251993" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sunil-Narine-2.jpg" alt="Sunil Narine" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-251993" class="wp-caption-text">Sunil Narine of Kolkata Knight Riders in action. (Photo by Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Sunil Narine was the most valuable player of the 2018 season. He has performed exceptionally well this season in all the departments of the game. He will open the innings alongside KL Rahul and edges out Jos Buttler because of his ability to bowl. It is always important in T20s to go in with a sixth bowler because it is a format that favours the batsmen more than the bowlers.</p>
<p>Hence, Sunil Narine will be the preferred choice in this XI considering the dynamics of the XI. He has scored 357 runs this season in 16 games at a strike rate of 190 which is fabulous for a bowler like him. Although he isn&#8217;t as feared by the batsmen as he earlier was, Narine still is a great T20 bowler and often questions the batsman with his bowling. He picked 17 wickets this season mostly bowling in the powerplays and his economy was under 8.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>3. Kane Williamson (C) | Sunrisers Hyderabad</h3>
<figure id="attachment_253330" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-253330" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-253330" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson-4.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson in the IPL" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-253330" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad&#8217;s Kane Williamson. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>It is essential to have the depth in batting when you go in with a player like Sunil Narine to open the innings. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-kane-williamson-feels-privileged-after-leading-srh-to-the-final/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kane</strong></a> will have to always be ready batting at No 3 as there is no guarantee as to how much time Narine can sustain himself in the middle. He has played somewhat this kind of role with SRH and should have no problems doing it again. Also, he will be leading the side as he was one of the best skippers in the 2018 edition. He would be the right man to counter MS Dhoni&#8217;s strategies at the other end.</p>
<p>Kane Williamson was also the &#8216;Orange Cap&#8217; winner this season. He has scored 735 runs in 17 games proving that T20 cricket is not all about power hitting. He has the ability to shift gears once he gets in and with the batsmen coming after him, he can play with a lot more freedom unlike the case with SRH. Kane has scored 206 runs in 4 games against SRH this year and selects himself automatically into this side.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>4. Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bangalore</h3>
<figure id="attachment_250929" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-250929" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-250929" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-3.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-250929" class="wp-caption-text">Royal Challengers Bangalore&#8217;s Virat Kohli celebrates his half-century. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Virat Kohli wasn&#8217;t up to the mark with his captaincy this season and his strategies were often questioned. He has also made some strange calls on the field and hence will be relieved of this burden in this XI. However, his suggestions will be invaluable to Kane and will play the perfect deputy to him. Virat has a quite impressive record with the bat against CSK and likes the challenge when he has to play the big teams.</p>
<p>Although he wasn&#8217;t as consistent as expected this year, he is still one of the leading run scorers. He has scored 530 runs in 14 games at an average close to 50 and will add some great stability to this lineup. Batting at No 4, he can comfortably assess the situation of the game and adapt accordingly.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>5. Rishabh Pant | Delhi Daredevils</h3>
<figure id="attachment_250873" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-250873" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-250873" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rishabh-Pant-7.jpg" alt="Rishabh Pant" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-250873" class="wp-caption-text">Delhi Daredevils&#8217; Rishabh Pant in action. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Rishabh Pant was one of the standout performers of IPL 2018. This was his best ever IPL season and was striking the ball as well as any other great batsman in the world. Despite his heroics this season, DD failed to do well. However, this XI will provide him with the perfect platform to express himself. Being cushioned in between great batsmen is an added advantage.</p>
<p>Pant is the second leading run scorer this season and was just mind-blowing. He took on a great bowling lineup in Sunrisers Hyderabad and scored a fabulous century against them. Overall, he has scored 684 runs in the season in 14 games at an average over 50 and will be a great addition to the side.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>6. Dinesh Karthik (WK) | Kolkata Knight Riders</h3>
<figure id="attachment_254567" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-254567" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-254567" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Dinesh-Karthik-1.jpg" alt="Dinesh Karthik" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-254567" class="wp-caption-text">Dinesh Karthik of Kolkata Knight Riders in action. (Photo by Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-kkr-skipper-dinesh-karthiks-expression-gratitude/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dinesh Karthik</strong></a>, the batsman, came into great prominence after the Nidahas Trophy final. That was one of his best nights ever and proved to the world how good a batsman he could be. He will assume the finishers&#8217; role in the side and will have to adapt his game according to the situation. Karthik will also double up as the wicketkeeper in the side.</p>
<p>This season, Karthik has scored 498 runs at an average of almost 50 batting lower down the order for KKR. He was clinical with his glovework and there weren&#8217;t many mistakes. Batting down the order, he will have to bring his best game out in order to be able to beat a side like CSK.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>7. Hardik Pandya | Mumbai Indians</h3>
<figure id="attachment_248000" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-248000" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-248000" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hardik-Pandya-1.jpg" alt="Hardik Pandya" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-248000" class="wp-caption-text">Mumbai Indians&#8217; Hardik Pandya in action. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Hardik Pandya hasn&#8217;t had the best of seasons with the bat. This was probably the first time ever that his bowling was lauded more than his batting. Although many would disagree fielding Pandya in this XI, this is more of a strategic move to play on the minds of CSK. Everyone is familiar towards MSD&#8217;s love towards bowling spin in the middle overs.</p>
<p>Pandya is one of the most destructive players against spin and can be used as a floater in the lineup. He can be given the licence to go after the spinners to push MS Dhoni out of his comfort zone. Hardik will also take up the role of the sixth bowler in the side. He has picked 18 wickets in 13 games this year and will come in more than handy. With the bat, he has scored 260 runs in the season.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>8. Rashid Khan | Sunrisers Hyderabad</h3>
<figure id="attachment_255481" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-255481" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-255481" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rashid.jpg" alt="Rashid Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-255481" class="wp-caption-text">Rashid Khan of Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Photo by Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rashid-khan-should-be-the-prime-minister-of-afghanistan-says-farokh-engineer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rashid Khan</strong></a> was one of the triumph cards for Kane Williamson this season. Although his record against the CSK batsmen wasn&#8217;t as great this season, the fear in their minds will just do. Along with Sunil Narine, he could play a more destructive role and will also come handy with the bat if the need be.</p>
<p>One of the best leg-spinners from around the world, he is sure to curtail the scoring rates if not to pick wickets. With his performance this season, Rashid now also holds the record for most wickets by a leg-spinner in a single season surpassing Shane Warne. He has picked 21 wickets in 17 games this season and played a crucial role in helping SRH go the distance.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>9. Andrew Tye | Kings XI Punjab</h3>
<figure id="attachment_252281" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-252281" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-252281" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Andrew-Tye-2.jpg" alt="Andrew Tye" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-252281" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab&#8217;s Andrew Tye celebrates fall of Suryakumar Yadav&#8217;s wicket. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Andrew Tye created a havoc with his performances this season. Although he went about his work quite silently, he terrorised the oppositions enough this season. Batsmen have struggled to pick his slower balls and even the best in the business were outfoxed by his brilliance.</p>
<p>He was the leading wicket-taker in 2018 and obviously, the winner of the &#8216;Purple Cap&#8217;. Tye has bagged 24 wickets in just 14 games at an average under 19. He has picked three 4-wicket hauls this season and due to these performances, he will take the place of the fourth overseas player in the side.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>10. Kuldeep Yadav | Kolkata Knight Riders</h3>
<figure id="attachment_255310" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-255310" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-255310" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kuldeep-Yadav-2.jpg" alt="Kuldeep Yadav" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-255310" class="wp-caption-text">Kuldeep Yadav of Kolkata Knight Riders celebrates. (Photo by Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Kuldeep Yadav will take the place of the third spinner in the side. He was one of the best Indian spinners in the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League. Kuldeep has bowled really well in the middle overs and restricted the batsmen. Having Narine, Kuldeep and Rashid in the side will force the batsmen to go after at least one of them and might get wickets for the team.</p>
<p>Kuldeep Yadav also has a very good record against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/list-of-records-and-milestones-ms-dhoni-achieved-in-ipl-2018/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MS Dhoni</strong></a> who was in brilliant form this season. It is very important to restrict a player like him and Kuldeep could be ideal for the job. In 2018, Yadav has picked 17 wickets at an average of 25. His tally is highest among the Indian spinners.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>11. Jasprit Bumrah | Mumbai Indians</h3>
<figure id="attachment_247061" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-247061" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-247061" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jasprit-Bumrah.jpg" alt="Jasprit Bumrah" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-247061" class="wp-caption-text">Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Jasprit Bumrah was handled well by the oppositions this year. Most of the teams had their plans set for one of the best T20 bowlers around the world. Bumrah failed to get his yorkers right this year and the fatigue due to excessive workload could have affected his performances.</p>
<p>However, Bumrah still ended the league as one of the highest wicket-takers. He has picked 17 wickets in 14 games this season at an average of 22. Furthermore, he is known to have maintained a good record against many of the CSK batsmen which is an added advantage.</p>

Dear CSK, here is a team that can give you some tough competition!

IPL 2018: Best IPL XI that can beat the Chennai Super Kings

Here is the best XI picked keeping Chennai Super Kings's strengths in mind that can surely give some stern competition to the team from Chennai.