CSK vs SRH: Whose squad is stronger?
What's the story
Chennai Super Kings have been the most consistent side in the Indian Premier League and they know the art of going far in the coveted T20 league. The defending champions will once again be the team to beat in IPL 2019. On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad were also in top form, last season. Here we compare the squads of these two franchises.
Batting
Looking at the batting of both teams
SRH's Kane Williamson won the prestigious Orange Cap last season and will be joined by the dangerous Jonny Bairstow atop. However, their most successful player, David Warner will be available for around a month. Hence, Martin Guptill's role will become crucial. On the other hand, CSK have several versatile players in their ranks, including Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson.
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Verdict: CSK's batting unit is ahead of SRH
CSK have an edge over SRH in batting as far as depth and the number of match-winners are concerned. Once Bairstow and Warner leave for World Cup preparations, SRH will get weakened. Further, SRH's middle-order looks fragile, whereas, CSK do not have any such issues.
All-round
Looking at the all-round options of both teams
SRH will rely on Shakib Al Hasan and Vijay Shankar to play a key role. Mohammad Nabi adds experience from the bench. Besides them, SRH don't have quality all-rounders. As against, CSK have a bunch of talented all-rounders, who can change the complexion of any game. Ravindra Jadeja, Watson, Dwayne Bravo are genuine match-winners. Further, both Suresh Raina and Jadhav would play supporting roles.
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Verdict: Chennai ahead in all-round department
CSK are well ahead in all-round department. What bodes well for them is that these players are equally talented with both bat and ball. If Shakib and Shankar fail to deliver this term, then SRH will struggle big time. SRH lack balance in this department.
Bowling
How does the bowling department look like?
There is no doubt SRH have the best pace bowling unit in the IPL. It's filled with a host of Indian bowlers, who are versatile and compliment each other. Rashid Khan is world class and Shakib supports him well. Chennai's bowling unit also looks strong and composed. The spinners have the desired experience. Simply put, they have what it takes to win close matches.
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Verdict: SRH slightly ahead in terms of bowling
SRH pip CSK in the bowling department. They are one team which can defend low totals easily. It was a recurring phenomenon last season. Although, CSK also have an attack that can win them games, Hyderabad's pace-battery makes their bowling the best in IPL 2019.
Battles
Head-to-head meetings between the two teams
Last season the two teams met each other on four occasions. And MS Dhoni's side won all the four meetings to dominate the proceedings. The best moment came in the finale, which CSK won by eight wickets. In ten IPL meetings between the two, CSK have won eight matches, whereas, SRH have won only two fixtures.