Trivia: Chennai Super Kings is the only team who has successfully defended the prestigious IPL trophy. The Kings won their first trophy in the 3rd edition of IPL. They replicated the same in the next season and claimed their second title by beating Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Despite all the setbacks, the yellow army is ready to roar again in the 13th edition of IPL starting from 19th September 2020. They will clash against Mumbai Indians in the inaugural match of the marquee tournament. But many cricket pundits have not given CSK the ‘favourites‘ tag this season, which is due to a lot of questions that is still left to answer:
- Do they have the replacements of Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh?
- Will age factor finally affect their performance?
- Can ‘Captain Cool‘ still make his team hold the title?
The answers to the aforementioned questions will be known come 19th September. Till then, we present you with our detailed analysis of Chennai Super Kings.
New Additions
The yellow brigade added certain valuable players to their existing pool. They have always believed in the ideology of retaining their core players, and this year was no different. Here is the list of new payers who would array the yellow jersey this season:
- Piyush Chawla (6.75 Crore)
- Sam Curran (5.5 Crore)
- Josh Hazlewood (2 Crore)
- R. Sai Kishore (20 Lakhs)
Team Analysis
Batting – A Conundrum
The batting lineup of ‘Daddies Army’ is probably their weak link this year. Suresh Raina, no longer available in this edition, had made the case even worse for them. Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, and Faf Du Plessis form a formidable batting lineup. They have loads of experience but are definitely past their prime. Take a look at our decision on how CSK can overcome the Raina sized hole in their squad.
Their beloved Thala, MS Dhoni, would be returning on a cricketing field after a gap of nearly 14 months. The Whistle Podu army would be hoping for his splendid season. As usual, the talismanic skipper would play a colossal role if CSK wants to have a bite of the golden title this year.
Murali Vijay is expected to open the innings for CSK. The right-handed batsman would be looking to grab selectors’ eyeballs with his outstanding performance. The same is the case with Kedar Jadhav, who has been shown the door by selectors recently. He would be eager to step onto the field and set the stage on fire.
Spin Bowling – Probably the Finest
The spin bowling department of CSK is what every captain desires, especially in the spin-friendly pitches of UAE. Harbhajan Singh pulling out of IPL may not be a big blow as they have others to make up. They have the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner. These left-arm spinners would be very effective in the slow and sluggish UAE wickets.
The veterans Piyush Chawla and Imran Tahir are invaluable gems to their franchise and can keep batsmen on their toes. R. Sai Kishore is the new addition to their family, and CSK management has already complimented him a lot. Karn Sharma is another player in their spin factory. The leg spinner has the required ingredients to deliver in UAE tracks.
Pace Bowling – Competent
CSK’s pace bowling department contains highly skilled bowlers. They made some quality acquisitions in the auction. Sam Curran and Josh Hazelwood would be donning yellow jersey this year. Both of them have performed outstandingly recently and could hold the key to the franchisees’ success this year.
The yellow army has relied on Deepak Chahar and Lungi Ngidi in the past few seasons. The wily fast bowlers are the spearheads of the CSK pace bowling lineup and would have an added advantage bowling on the UAE’s wickets.
Dwayne Bravo’s form has slumped in the last few seasons, but IPL in UAE could be a ‘blessing in disguise‘ for him. The cutters of the right-arm pace bowler could be very deceptive in UAE pitches. Shardul Thakur and KM Asif are some domestic options available to the franchise, but it would be very difficult to fit them in the XI looking at the kind of pace battery.
What to Expect?
Chennai Super Kings doesn’t look like the team to beat this year. Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh pulling out the tournament have added to their woes. The impact of these two format veterans missing out is huge. Their departure has created a void that is impossible to fill. But the one who can save the ship from sinking is the maestro MS Dhoni. He is the best in business and can make the best out of his mediocre team.
Experience is the hallmark of their team, and this could probably turn the tide in their favor as there is no substitute for experience. Everyone expects them to reach the playoffs just like any other season but will they be able to get the bite of the gold for the 4th is something only time can answer.
Everything Captain Cool touches turn into gold, and if he can replicate the same this year, we will definitely hear many whistles blowing.
Full Squad
MS Dhoni(c) (wk), Ambati Rayudu, Murali Vijay, Deepak Chahar, Shane Watson, Dwayne Bravo, Karn Sharma, Kedar Jadhav, Josh Hazelwood, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Francois Du Plessis, Lungi Ngidi, Shardul Thakur, Imran Tahir, Mitchell Santner, R.S Kishore, Narayan Jagadeesan, Monu Kumar, RutuRaj Gaikwad, KM Asif, Piyush Chawla
Support Staff
- Stephen Fleming (Head Coach)
- Michael Hussey (Batting Coach)
- Lakshmipathy Balaji (Bowling Coach)
- Eric Simons (Bowling Consultant)
- Rajiv Kumar (Rajiv Kumar)
- Narasimhan V. (Throwdown Specialist)
- Greg King (Physical Trainer)
- Tommy Simsek (Physio)
- Lakshmi Narayan (High-Performance Analyst)
- Madhu Thottappillil (Team Doctor)
- Russell Radhakrishnan (Team Manager)
