New Delhi, Delhi, India

Chennai, the two-time champions are making their way back into IPL where they have been the most consistent side across 10 years.

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The franchise was banned for two years following charges of spot-fixing and betting against key team officials.

Led by former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Chennai is the only franchise to be captained by the same person since the inaugural edition in 2008.

The Dhoni-led team will face defending champions Mumbai in the opener at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

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With some exciting buy at the held auctions in January, let's take a look at the probable playing XI for Chennai.  

Murali Vijay - The local boy has a phenomenal record with Chennai. In almost every season, he has given a good start to his team and maintains skipper's trust as an opener.  

Shane Watson - The former Australian can provide a flying start to the team and is a decent bowler to restrict the opponents. 

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Suresh Raina - The left-handed player holds the highest run-getter record in the history of IPL. He is also capable of bowling and can take wickets at crucial stages. 

Faf Duplessis - Can play different roles as per the situation. He can build an innings and also can play shots from the beginning.

MS Dhoni - His presence is enough to bring down the confidence and strength of the opponent team. But the skipper has to take the driver's seat to reflect his return to his second-home Chennai. 

Kedar Jadhav- He is a great asset for the team as he could give some overs of his spin bowling too if needed.

Dwayne Bravo - He is a complete entertainer. Death bowler and a big hitter at the end of the innings.

Ravindra Jadeja - He is one of the most unpredictable player. A complete all-rounder with bowling being his speciality. He can have a great partnership with Dhoni behind the stumps.

Harbhajan Singh - His cricketing experience will be crucial for team. He can play some shots towards the end of the innings. He has experience of batting at the top of the order. He can bowl some defensive lines.

Lungi Ngidi - He has an economy of 5.5 in the 3 T20Is he has played so far. He is a good bowler with a lot of variations.

Shardul Thakur - A good swing bowler. Capable of getting wickets in the power play and also bowls variations at the death. the player has already left an impression with his knuckle ball too.

With this squad, the team has batting options till number 9 which is very crucial in T20s.