Chennai Super Kings

People's favorite Suuupper kings are back! Already training in camps way before others even think of it, daddy's army is making it hotter at Chennai. A below par season in Dubai, with some sub-standard performances it was really a rare sight of disappointment from CSK's end. They were found troubled with excess baggage of experience and reputation they carry. Super kings this time though look balanced(age-wise) and determined to claim back what's theirs.

Squad

Auction Review

Chennai's management were among the few serious participants of this mini-auction, unlike others they were clear with what they wanted and chased it to their budget. They were desperate to fill the shoes of Watson and Jadhav with a limited overseas slot. They wanted a top notch all-rounder and of course an off spinner, they went all in for maxii ... well max had other eyes stalking him for long. All they managed to bag in this segment was Moeen and Gowtham. Moeen anyway checks all the boxes of CSK'S requirement and costs half of what maxi would have landed in, a win-win deal. Gowtham on the other hand provides them ideal off-spinning replacement of Bhajji. In Pujara CSK saw those complimentary clappings and praise they needed for their PR, I doubt Pujjinder getting any game. Their domestic additions of Nishanth, Reddy and Varma were not from the bag of hot uncapped players available, anyways they already have a good lot to make XI from. Personally I feel Chennai missed a trick by not adding an opening option incase Faf doesn't clicks, who do they look at ... Curran ?

S W O T

Strengths

Wounded lions are even more dangerous ....same stands true with Super Kings, they do take defeats seriously. With Chinna -Thala back in squad they look more assured than they were in previous season. The 'dhoni-raina' duo will be available from game-1 to sail them through, as always. To knock off all the rust of retired and non-performing players, they are already in training camps... yeah you heard it right its raining sixes in chepauk. Red hot blade of Sir Jadeja is what men in yellow always account on, In last couple of years he has really made a lot from those bits and pieces. They already found a Mr. dependable in Sam Curran, who rarely disappoints with tasks in hand. Thala doesn't go wrong very often and this is what brings the certainty in the team and belief in fans, you can't really rule Chennai out of equation till Dhoni is at the crease.

Weaknesses

There is a thin, very thin line between what you add to the team experience or excess baggage as was the case with Watto. An under-fit Bravo doesn't carry much value for the team and is too big a name to sit out on benches. Traded-in Robbie might get an edge over younger one's for making it to XI but he barely qualifies as a T-20 player now. With most of the playing XI players being out of touch for long might have passed their peaks and have too little to offer.

Opportunities

Younger breed of the team, the likes of Chahar, Ruturaj and Jagadeeshan have a lot of responsibilities and accountability in this CSK team. Moreover, playing alongside the legends of shorter format , they have this opportunity to be the next flag bearers for the legacy. Sam Curran to be specific is under constant scrutiny by CSK management and ECB to be groomed as not just an all-rounder but as a T-20 specialist like Bravo and Russell.

Threats

It is not just that the players are not in constant touch of cricket, you just cannot use your old engine to pull the train every single time. Daddy's army have this habit of bringing it to the end to finish, this Dhoni-brand cricket is not winning them matches anymore. Moreover, this might be the last season for Dhoni in yellows, CSK has always been in his shadows. What happens after him ......? A big question to end with.

Even with all these weaknesses and threats if you ask me, Who start favorites this time or any time ........ CSK it is.

"Chennai always starts favorite"

Probable XI

Faf Du Plesis

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Suresh Raina

Ambati Rayudu

M S Dhoni (C) (wk)

Ravindra Jadeja

Dwayne Bravo

K Gowtham

Sam Curran

Deepak Chahar

Josh Hazelwood

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