The Chennai Super Kings are back!!!
Arguably the most loved franchise, Chennai Super Kings missed the last two editions of the IPL due to non-cricketing reasons. The emotions have been running high among their fans and their return has been highly anticipated. The amount of love the CSK fans have for their side was visible in the attendance for the intra-squad practice game which happened a few days back where around 10,000 spectators attended the game.
Till the time Chennai Super Kings were part of IPL, they were the most successful franchise in IPL history. Having made the play-offs every single season for the first eight years, Chennai Super KIngs have played the finals a whopping six times. They have won two of those finals and ended up on the losing side on four occasions. CSK have, right from the start, always had a core around which the rest of the squad was formed. This time as well, CSK have managed to get back a lot of players who had represented them in the eighth edition, along with some good quality additions.
Strengths
Dhoni’s captaincy makes a good side look even better. One of the greatest captains in modern day cricket, CSK have, won a lot of games simply because of some outstanding tactics employed by Dhoni at crucial junctures. An exceptional reader of the game, Dhoni will be eager to take CSK back to their glory days.
The batting line-up that is most likely to be part of the first XI is packed with proven international stars, right down till number 8. With a lot of match winners in there, CSK is well equipped in the batting department.
CSK’s spin bowing has a lot of variety and is extremely strong as well. Dhoni likes using the spinners in the middle overs to choke the opposition. If Chepauk plays the way it usually does, the spinners will play a major role in shaping CSK’s season.
The likes of Harbhajan, Tahir, Karn Sharma and Jadeja will be part of CSK’s bowling attack
Areas of concern
Over the years, while captaining India as well as CSK, Dhoni has turned to Ashwin in tough situations and Ashwin has delivered more often than not. Having lost out on Ashwin, CSK have picked Harbhajan as a like-for-like replacement. Though a legend in his own right, Harbhajan has not had a great domestic season. Being in the last legs of his career, it remains to be seen how well and how consistently he can bowl.
The Indian fast bowling reserves of CSK is thin. With Shardul Thakur the only recognized Indian bowler, CSK would have wanted to have got atleast a couple more Indian fast bowlers. Having failed to do so, CSK will need to play one out of Wood and Ngidi almost every game and hope that Shardul Thakur doesn’t stays fit through the tournament.
Chennai Super Kings squad – IPL 2018
Probable Starting XI: Murali Vijay, Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, Francois du Plessis(out of the first game, most likely to be replace by Billings or even a Rayudu), MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mark Wood
Top-order
Murali Vijay and Watson make a good opening combination. Vijay made a name for himself by opening the batting for CSK, in the 2010 season, and it still is the position in which he is best suited in T20s. Alongside Vijay, should be Watson, as opening the batting can help him play with a lot of freedom, just like he did in the PSL this year. Watson can also give those 4 tight overs in the middle, picking up a wicket or two. No.3 is also a slot in which Watson can prosper, but when it is CSK, it can be only Raina who comes at that position. The highest run-getter in the IPL history, an exceptional fielder and a handy off-spinner as well, CSK cannot ask for a better number 3.
Middle-order
du Plessis at number 4 followed by MS Dhoni, CSK have two of the calmest heads and the two can adapt their game as per the need of the hour. In case of a solid foundation being laid, Dhoni can act as the floater, pushing Jadhav, someone who can score quickly, up the order. Dhoni nowadays, takes a few balls to settle in, so for him to come in after number 5 can be tricky for CSK.
Lower middle-order
Bravo and Jadeja make a strong lower middle-order for CSK. Both can get those quick 20s and 30s that, more often than not, determine the results of T20s. In addition to their batting, the two bowl 8 overs in the innings on a regular basis. While Jadeja will be used more in the middle overs, Bravo will be called upon more during the second half of the bowling and towards the end overs.
Bowlers
Between Harbhajan and Karn Sharma, Harbhajan seems a better pick. Though Karn, with his leg-spin, gives the wicket taking option, Harbhajan is likely to be preferred atleast in the initial few games. Later depending upon the results and performances, might choose Karn from time to time. Shardul Thakur and the tearaway paceman, Mark Wood, complete the line-up. The best Indian fast bowling option that CSK have, Shardul Thakur, has shown good form in the recently concluded Nidahas trophy and also had a pretty good run in his first full season last year with RPS. CSK would want Mark Wood, with his express pace, to give them those early breakthroughs.
Players to watch out for
The highest run-getter in IPL history, Suresh Raina has scored 4540 runs at a strike rate of almost 140 across all 10 seasons. He was CSK’s most consistent batsmen during the time of their stay in IPL. A lot of CSK wins were fashioned by Raina’s brilliance at number 3. Add to it, his athleticism in the field and his ability to give a couple of overs in the middle. So, as always, Raina will play a major part in CSK’s campaign this year.
Post retirement from international cricket, Shane Watson has been plying his trade across T20 leagues across the globe. An extremely dangerous player at the top of the order and a highly skilful bowler, who can pick wickets at crucial times, Someone who has, over the years, always troubled CSK, Dhoni will be glad to have Watson on his side.
Dwayne Bravo, from being a batting all-rounder has gone on to become a bowler who can bat. CSK is the side that has most benefited from this, as he has been their best bet in the death overs in the last few seasons. Having retained his services, they will be hoping that Bravo is able to start from where he left two seasons ago. As always, he will play a very crucial role with the ball for CSK and a consistent performance with the bat is a bonus.
The spin twins, Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin, have enjoyed a lot of success together, both with CSK and at the international level. This time however, Jadeja will be without Ashwin and will be expected to lead their spin attack. A very economical bowler, Jadeja can also play those big shots towards the end overs, which makes him one of CSK’s most vital players.
The two international all-rounders, Bravo(bottom) and Watson(top), will play a huge role in CSK’s campaign
Expected position in the league table – Play-offs
CSK and MI face-off in the season opener, on the 7th of April, at the Wankhede stadium. The match starts at 8pm.