IPL Team Preview - 2) Chennai Super Kings

By far, Chennai Super Kings have been the most consistent and established team of the IPL over 5 editions. On each occasion they have been in  the top 4, twice runners up and twice champions. This year as well they look more than a formidable line up to go the distance.

Local Talent – Dhoni & A lot of the current Indian side  

They, along with Mumbai Indians, have the most accomplished local talent in their side. The lights of Dhoni, Raina, Vijay, Ashwin, Jadeja, Badrinath  who form the core of their team. Only thing missing for them is the lack of a quality Indian fast bowler. But their management was more willing to strengthen the overseas pace bowling options rather than settle for any of available second choice seamers at the last auction.

Overseas Talent – Mostly Allrounders & Fast bowling options

They have T20 specialist allrounders like Bravo, Morkel & C Morris. They have bolstered their fast bowling department with the addition of  the experienced Nannes, young speedsters Holder and Laughlin, alongside Hilfenhaus & Kulasekera.  With slow and rank turners expected at most venues, Chennai also bid for the young mystery Lankan spinner, A Dhananjay. Hussey & Faf Du Plessis (both of whom are flexible in their batting positions) give them the needed balance in their batting.

Injury Concerns & The Srilankan Impact –

Faf Du Plessis should be out of IPL for 6-8 weeks. He was one of their most consistent performers at the top of the order last edition. With half their games at home as well as the 2 knockout games being at Chennai means Kulasekera & Dhananjay would be unavailable for lot of IPL. Luckily as these players were not expected to regulars in playing XI, it shouldn’t affect CSK team composition much. In fact, there are SL players who are important components of lot of the other teams; this should give Chennai the added advantage for their home games.

Likely XI – 1) M Vijay, 2) M Hussey, 3) S Raina, 4) S Badrinath, 5) MS Dhoni,  6) DJ Bravo, 7) R Jadeja, 8) A Morkel / C Morris, 9) R Ashwin, 10) D Nannes, 11) S Jakati