Xtra Time Web Desk: The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be determined to leave behind the disappointment of not making to the play offs of IPL for the first time last season in UAE. The three times former champions led by the talisman MS Dhoni will definitely have a point to prove in IPL 2021. Although Chennai Super Kings finished seventh in 2020, the team owners retained most of their players. Apart from signing England all rounder Moeen Ali, the Chennai-based franchise also signed Robin Uthappa in the trade window. The last minute withdrawal of Australian speedster Josh Hazzlewood did upset the planning, but still they will be the favourites to make it to the playoffs. Here is the complete SWOT analysis of Chennai Super Kings squad for IPL 2021:
Strengths:
Chennai Super Kings are the most experienced side on paper having seasoned pros like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis, DJ Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja and Imran Tahir. Even players like Ambati Rayudu, Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar have gained enough experience playing in the cash rich league. The IPL has seen more close contests with every passing season and hence it is the experience that counts. The Super Kings possess plenty of quality all rounders in the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran and Dwayne Bravo. This season they have further strengthened their side by adding Moeen Ali who has the potential to turn the game with his all-round brilliance.
Weakness:
One of the major weaknesses for Chennai Super Kings is the average age of the side, the reason they have been labeled as the Daddy’s army. MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir and DJ Bravo have all past their youth. Apart from Du Plessis, most of their senior pros do not play international cricket and lack match practice. CSK’s talisman and inspirational leader MS Dhoni has definitely passed his prime. Dhoni struggled to middle the ball during IPL 2020 in UAE. Suresh Raina will be coming back after missing last season. The left hander did not impress in the Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy. Ambati Rayudu and Robin Uthappa only plays domestic cricket. So lack of match practice could hurt the Super Kings big time.
Opportunities:
The IPL 2021 will create a massive opportunity for Ruturaj Gaikwad to stake his claim for the national team. With the T20 World Cup scheduled later this year, the performances of Shardul, Thakur and Deepak Chahar will be scrutinized. Cheteswar Pujara will have a point to prove that he is not a misfit in the T20 format. With Faf du Plessis being the only recognized overseas batsman in CSK squad, it presents the uncapped Indian batsmen a perfect opportunity to showcase their skills.
Threats:
All rounder Ravindra Jadeja is coming after a surgery which kept him out of competitive cricket in recent times, forcing him to miss the entire England series at home. With the T20 World Cup later in the year, the left hander will be conscious not to get himself injured again. For a tough tournament like the IPL, keeping the veteran players fit for the entire duration of the league will be a real challenge for the CSK support staff and medical team.
Key Players:
MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur
Full squad of CSK for IPL 2021:
MS Dhoni (C & WK), Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, KM Asif, Deepak Chahar, Dwayne Bravo, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, N Jagadeesan, Karn Sharma, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shardul Thakur, Sam Curran, R Sai Kishore, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, Krishnappa Gowtham, Cheteshwar Pujara, M Harisankar Reddy, K Bhagath Varma, C Hari Nishaanth.
