Chennai return to the IPL after two-year expulsion with Dhoni in charge and aiming for glory

IPL PREVIEWS: All you need to know about the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the return of the Indian Premier League in April

After months of boardroom plotting, weeks of speculation and a lavish auction that has become a phenomenon in itself, the wait is almost over.

The Indian Premier League gets under way in April, and it promises to be the most open in recent memory, such is the nature of the competition.

Here is all you need to know about Chennai Super Kings, from rising stars and the ones to watch to their title chances.

What’s their IPL pedigree?

After an unceremonious exit from the big leagues in 2015, owing to a corruption scandal, the Super Kings return to the IPL fold.

The team will be looking to build on past glories, having previously won the tournament in consecutive years – first in 2010 against Mumbai Indians (by 22 runs), and then by beating Royal Challengers Bangalore thanks to an inspired Murali Vijay performance.

Chennai were runners-up in their last IPL appearance – their fourth final – but lost out to Mumbai Indians.

^{MS Dhoni leads Chennai}

Who’s in charge?

Stephen Fleming returns as head coach. The New Zealander, who also played for Chennai in their preliminary days, relinquished his coaching duties when the franchise was suspended and subsequently moved to Rising Pune Supergiant.

His return is a massive confidence booster for the Chennai Super Kings, given his shrewd and wily approach to the auctions. His captain, MS Dhoni, has enjoyed great success wherever, and whatever level of cricket he has played.

As a wicketkeeper he is agile, as a batsman he has demonstrated finesse and guile.

Who are the big names?

The Super Kings boast an impressive roster. Australian Shane Watson joins as one of the marquee player signings, telling reporters at his unveiling, “the thought of playing under the great MS Dhoni excites me a lot.”

Allrounder Dwayne Bravo is one of the biggest match-winners in the IPL, and bowler Harbhajan Singh can match his experience. Faf du Plessis, one of the characters of cricket in the last decade, continues to make headlines and may prove to be a great asset for the Super Kings.

Left-hander Suresh Raina is one of the local players to watch out for, as is Shardul Thakur, a young seamer who remains uncapped.

Who is the rising star?

Dhruv Shorey, a right-handed batsman who signed for 20 lakhs (£21,840) at the 2018 auction. Uncapped for India, he made headlines in the Ranji Trophy when he guided Delhi to the final and batted a century in the first innings, his third first-class hundred.

^{Stephen Fleming is coach}

Where is home?

M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, in Chepauk, a neighborhood of Chennai. Named after the former cricket administrator, it was established in 1916, but did not stage test-match cricket until 1934, when England toured India.

Famed for its carnival atmosphere and roaring crowd, the stadium was the setting for Saeed Anwar’s 194 that was met with a standing ovation and Narendra Hirwani’s 16 wickets on his test debut, for 136 runs.

Renovation work on the stadium began in 2009 and was completed in 2011. Since 2013, Chennai Super Kings have also played selected IPL fixtures at the JSCA International Cricket stadium in Jharkhand.

What chance do they have this year?

As good as any other. Despite being out of action for two years, Chennai have put together a strong outfit, retaining the core set of players, which served them well in the past.

Their best asset is their experience, but it might be their downfall as the side averages over 30 years. Bowling is a cause for concern given the lack of experienced pace bowlers; nevertheless in T20 cricket they have the players to make the difference.

Squad: MS Dhoni (C), Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Faf du Plessis, Harbhajan Singh, Dwayne Bravo, Shane Watson, Kedar Jadhav, Ambati Rayudu, Imran Tahir, Karn Sharma, Shardul Thakur, N Jagadeesan, Santner, Deepak Chahar, KM Asif, Kanishk Seth, Ngidi, Dhruv Shorey, M Vijay, Billings, Mark Wood, Kshitiz Sharma, Monu Kumar and Chaitanya Bishnoi.