Chennai Super Kings has been the most consistent sides in the Indian Premier League. Not only they have won the title on three occasions but also they have qualified for the playoff stages on all the occasions (whenever they have participated in the league). Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings will begin their title defence against Royal Challengers Bangalore on 23rd March at Chepauk Stadium. Sportzwiki brings you the SWOT Analysis of Chennai Super Kings.
Meanwhile, MS Dhoni had once again led CSK with aplomb in the previous season. The Men in Yellow had defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final by eight wickets to claim their third IPL title. Thus, CSK will like to once again come up with the complete performance in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League.
Here is the SWOT Analysis of Chennai Super Kings:
Strength:
The leadership of MS Dhoni:
MS Dhoni is one of the shrewdest captains in the game. Dhoni knows how he should get the best out of his players. Ambati Rayudu was promoted to the opening position when the right-hander showed the right form with the bat. Rayudu scored 602 runs in the previous season as he was the fourth highest run-getter in the tournament. Dhoni had also promoted himself to the number four position when he was going strong in the IPL. The talisman batsman had scored 455 runs in the league.
Meanwhile, MS Dhoni is one of the sharpest minds in the game. Dhoni knows which bowling changes he should make at what conditions of the match. Furthermore, Dhoni’s decision has worked on most of the times.
Experience.
It is a famous saying that experience cannot be bought in the market.
When Chennai Super Kings had selected their squad in the IPL auctions, they were trolled for picking up the experienced players, who were all above 30 years. However, the same experience of the side helped them in winning their third IPL title. The experienced players were able to deliver the goods and the Chennai franchise was able to finish at the second position in the points table. Furthermore, they were at their best in the playoff stages as they won their first qualifier as well as the final by beating Sunrisers Hyderabad on both occasions.
Potent Batting line-up and All-Rounders
Chennai Super Kings has a strong batting line-up which has helped them achieve big in the IPL. In fact, in the previous season, four of their batsman had scored more than 400 runs in the season, which played a key role in their title triumph. Ambati Rayudu had scored 602, Shane Watson amassed 555, MS Dhoni accumulated 455 and Suresh Raina obtained 445 runs in the previous season.
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have talisman all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav, Dwayne Bravo and Mitchell Santner in their squad. In fact, we all know the significance of all-rounders in a format like IPL and these players are going to play a key role in CSK’s title defence.
Weaknesses
Inexperience in the bowling line-up
Chennai Super Kings doesn’t have the experience in their bowling line-up. They have the likes of Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur who are still young at the International circuit. Thus, the lack of experience could be an Achilles Heel for the three-times champions. Furthermore, they don’t have a fiery Indian fast bowler which can lead to their downfall in the tournament.
No Backup Wicketkeeper
MS Dhoni is the sole wicketkeeper in the CSK camp. N Jagadeesan can also take up the glove responsibilities but the Tamil Nadu player doesn’t have a lot of experience under his belt. With World Cup on the cards, Dhoni could be tempted to get some rest, which could be daisy for CSK.
Fielding
As there are less young faces in the CSK’s squad, there are not many fresh legs on the ground for them. Hence, fielding which plays a huge role in the T20 format could be kryptonite for the MS Dhoni-led side.
Furthermore, Suresh Raina’s form will be a cause of concern for the Chennai Super Kings. The southpaw hasn’t been at his best in the recent past and he would like to hit the straps in the forthcoming league.
Opportunities:
The young players will have the opportunities to grab their chance with both hands. The Indian Premier League is a fine platform on which the young players can display their skills. Similarly, the youngsters will like to tick the right boxes in the forthcoming league.
KM Asif, Monu Kumar will have the chance to share the dressing room with the legendary MS Dhoni. Thus, the young players can take a cue out of Dhoni’s book to improve in their young career.
Furthermore, Sam Billings and David Willey will have their chance to strengthen their World Cup hopes for England. The young players will like to grab their chances of playing in the pressure situations in front of the jam-packed crowd.
Threats:
Most of the players are above the age of 30 years in the Chennai’s franchise. Consequently, there could be fitness woes for the team. Furthermore, they are more prone to injuries and they are expected to take a longer time in their rehab process.
Sam Curran and David Willey will head back home on May 1 as no England players will participate in the league to prepare for the World Cup.
Here is CSK squad:
MS Dhoni(c), Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis, Murali Vijay, Sam Billings, Ambati Rayudu, Dhruv Shorey, N Jagadeesan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shane Watson, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, David Willey, Kedar Jadhav, Chaitanya Bishnoi, Harbhajan Singh, Karn Sharma, Imran Tahir, Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Sharma, KM Asif, Monu Kumar.