The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is only around a week’s wait. In our last edition of team news and analysis, we take a closer look at the side that needs no introduction, the Chennai Super Kings.
The Super Kings have had a haphazard route throughout their preparation. After landing in UAE, 13 of their staff including two players were tested positive for COVID-19. After that, two veterans Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh had to withdraw from the competition.
The fact that they are still considered one of the favourites, goes to show what the team is capable of especially under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.
History
The Chennai Super Kings have had a history of contrasting highs and lows. CSK has the massive accomplishment of qualifying for the playoffs in every season of the IPL they’ve played. The franchise has won three IPL trophies and has been the runners up five times!
The franchise was suspended for two years from 2016-2017. They made a massive comeback by winning the 2018 season. MS Dhoni has been a long-time leader of the side. He has captained the side in 174 matches with the highest winning percentage of 60%
They are known for their rivalry against Mumbai Indians. That will be on display on September 19 in the first match of IPL 2020.
2008: 2nd place
2009: 4th place
2010: Champions
2011: Champions
2012: 2nd place
2013: 2nd place
2014: 4th place
2015: 2nd place
2018: Champions
2019: 2nd place
Squad for IPL 2020
MS Dhoni (captain), Kedar Jadhav, Shane Watson, Ambati Rayadu, Murali Vijay, Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mitchell Santner, Sam Curran, Narayan Jagadeesan, Ravindra Jadeja, Karn Sharma, Imran Tahir, Piyush Chawla, R Sai Kishore, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi, KM Asif, Monu Kumar, and Josh Hazlewood.
How will they perform in IPL 2020?
BATTING – The biggest loophole right of the back for them is the number three spot after the departure of Suresh Raina. However, CSK has a very good replacement Faf du Plessis for the same. They can also give somebody like Ruturaj Gaikwad a spot at number three and have Du Plessis at four. The innings would be opened by the successful opening pair of Shane Watson and Ambati Rayadu.
The middle and lower middle-order will consist of experienced players namely Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Dwayne Bravo.
BOWLING – MS Dhoni has always been a captain who promotes and gives confidence to bowlers. The pace bowling attack will be led by Deepak Chahar. He has been a key asset giving many important breakthroughs, especially in the powerplays. He will be accompanied by Shardul Thakur. Though he has improved a lot both in batting and bowling, the economy has been as issue for him. Dwayne Bravo will take charge of death overs.
Imran Tahir will lead the spin bowling department. Harbhajan Singh’s departure will not affect the Super Kings as they have the services of an extremely experienced Piyush Chawla this year. Ravindra Jadeja will chip in with his share of overs as well. Both Tahir and Jadeja would be extremely important on UAE pitches as they are known for regulating their pace.
Overall CSK looks an extremely balanced side with ample resources. Therefore despite the absence of Raina and Harbhajan, they can continue their streak of getting into the playoffs this year as well.
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