IPL 2022 | Rusted but still rocketing, Chennai eye another silverware

Chennai Super Kings have been one of the most consistent teams in the history of the toughest twenty, they won the IPL in the previous edition after finishing second in the overall league table. The MS Dhoni-led team is one of the deadliest teams in the tournament that believes in keeping their core intact. 

The success that the Super Kings tested in the previous edition was because of the duo of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis. While they did excellent business in the auction to bring back their star players, missing out on the Proteas star will hurt them big time.

In the upcoming edition of the IPL, the Chennai based franchise will walk out to the middle with similar aspirations as they look to defend their title. They might not have the likes of Suresh Raina and Faf du Plessis but they still have an all bases covered squad which can certainly challenge for the title.

Strongest Playing XI

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa/Devon Conway, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni(c), Dwayne Bravo, Deepak Chahar(Currently Injured)/Chris Jordan/KM Asif, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Adam Milne.

Flaws

The unavailability of Deepak Chahar in the initial phase of the tournament will be a big headache for the Chennai team, he is their most expensive by from the mega auction and the franchise is dependent on him when it comes to picking wicket in the initial overs.

Lack of match practice for MS Dhoni might be another major issue for the franchise, while Dhoni the skipper is never a worry. MSD the finisher is something they can’t depend upon. 

The fact that CSK bat deep might help them deal with this lack of a proper finisher. However, at certain times the team will feel the lack of presence for an experienced and in form finisher.

X-Factor

Ravindra Jadeja is CSK’s biggest X-factor. Jadeja the bowling all-rounder has done it for Chennai in the past but this time what excites me is the batter in him. Sir Jadeja is likely to bat high up in the order and his recent performances for Team India with the bat in the shortest format showcase that he can be the real deal. Jadeja the perfect all-rounder can literally dictate the show for MSD’s Chennai Super Kings. 

Analysis

Irrespective of the flaws that are present in the CSK squad, they still are a quality team that can defend their IPL title. The amount of experience in the squad and the ability of skipper MS Dhoni is something that has done it for the franchise time and again over the years.