IPL 2022: SWOT Analysis Of Chennai Super Kings

The defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been the most consistent team in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This year as well, at least on paper, they look like the most balanced and formidable unit. Can CSK bring home the baton and clinch the championship for the fifth time?

One of the biggest strengths of CSK is creditable equilibrium in almost every department. Tuturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu form a very good top-order. They also have MS Dhoni, Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja to hammer and tongs in death overs. All-rounders such as Jadeja, Bravo, Moeen Ali and Shivam Dube lend tremendous heft to the side.

The likes of Dhoni, Bravo, Jadeja and Rayudu have been an integral part of the franchise for many years and share great equations with each other. Due to their presence, CSK look a splendidly well-settled outfit.

Weaknesses:

The biggest concern for CSK is the lack of a reliable bowler who can bowl during death overs. Deepak Chahar has done appreciable job in the last few seasons but he’s not available this season due to injury. CSK has roped in Chris Jordan and Tushar Deshpande to fill the vacuum but uncertainty about their efficacy is looming large.

Deshpande represented Delhi Capitals last season and bowled decently in death overs, but he clearly lacks experience to bowl consistently well. CSK might use left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner in death overs as he is usually economical. Bravo used to bowl with gusto in death overs once but over a period of time his skill has declined.

Opportunities:

This IPL is particularly important for Gaikwad and Dube as both of them are knocking at the doors of the Indian T20 team. The T20I World Cup is scheduled to take place this year and all countries, including India, will be keeping a close tab on the performances of their players.

Hardik Pandya’s place in India’s T20I is not guaranteed anymore; hence if Dube comes good with both bat and ball he can seal the place of the all-rounder. Gaikwad too has a chance to make it to India’s T20I team for the World Cup if he sets the tournament ablaze.

Threats:

The biggest threat for Chennai is the change of guard in leadership. CSK have always appeared to be a close-knit and cohesive unit under the tutelage of Dhoni and that manifested in their spectacularly consistent performances over the years. Will Jadeja be able to step up and fill the boots of Dhoni? Does he have the nous to marshall his troops with as much acumen and finesse as Dhoni? And how will the team respond to his leadership? These are some of the questions which are on everyone’s mind.

There is also a problem of plenty for CSK as there are too many talented individuals in the squad. It will be a task for them to pick up their playing XI.