Squad analysis IPL 2018: Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings have opted to go heavy on spin bowling for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team will be under the leadership of MS Dhoni, who has helped the team to glory on two occasions in the past in 2010 and 2011. In this article, we analyse the squad of Chennai Super Kings.
Team built around core players
The franchise retained Dhoni alongside stalwarts Ravindra Jadeja and Suresh Raina. These 3 players were a part of CSK for eight seasons in a row. During the Bengaluru auction they picked up some of the other former players like Murali Vijay, du Plessis and Bravo.
Analysis of batsmen in CSK ranks
Vijay alongside former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson would open the innings. The middle-order looks solid with Raina, Faf and Dhoni aiming to consolidate and provide a backbone. Besides the trio, the side also has the likes of utility players like Kedar Jadhav and Ambati Rayudu. Delhi's Dhruv Shorey is an interesting prospect. The 25-year-old had decent shows in domestic T20s.
Raina is their go to man!
CSK's Raina is the highest scorer in IPL history. He has 4,540 runs in 161 matches with a top score of 100. In the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa, he performed well scoring 89 runs in three games.
Analysis of all-rounders of CSK
Shane Watson will be key to add to their bowling impetus besides his batting. Bravo is another all-rounder, who has played a vital role for CSK over the years and was seen playing in the Big Bash League for Melbourne Renegades recently. With Jadeja they have another handy player especially adding the base with his left-arm spin. He hasn't played much for India recently.
Watson's role a significant one
The veteran player has been a leader for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League and has been contributing to their growth. He will have a similar role here. In 102 matches in the IPL, he has 2,622 runs besides picking 86 wickets.
Analysis of bowlers
With the side inclining a lot towards spin, the base is very strong. CSK have the veteran Harbhajan Singh. They have also added further three spinners in the form of Mitchell Santner of New Zealand, South Africa's Imran Tahir and Karn Sharma. The pace department don't have world class names. Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, South Africa's Lungi Ngidi and England's Mark Wood fit in.
'Turbanator' Bhajji's IPL experience key
Harbhajan Singh has been in the thick of things in the IPL. In 10 seasons he has won three IPL titles with Mumbai Indians. In 136 matches, Bhajji has a whopping 127 wickets with a best of 5/18. Dhoni will look to utilise him well.
