IPL 2021: SWOT Analysis of Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

The Chennai Super Kings had an uneventful IPL 2020 in the United Arab Emirates. The three-time champions attained the seventh position on the points table. The Super Kings had qualified for the playoffs in every season they played before 2020. However, that streak ended last year in the Middle East. Although Chennai Super Kings finished seventh in 2020, the team management retained most of their players. The Chennai-based franchise signed Robin Uthappa in the trade window. At IPL Auction 2021, they acquired English all-rounder Moeen Ali’s services. Besides, Chennai also roped in Krishnappa Gowtham, Cheteshwar Pujara, M Harisankar Reddy, K Bhagath Varma, and C Hari Nishaanth. Many fans believe the Chennai Super Kings still do not have the perfect squad for IPL 2021. Still, the presence of MS Dhoni as the captain and the experience in the squad makes the Super Kings one of the favorites to lift the trophy this year. Here’s the Final 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, Josh Hazlewood, R Sai Kishore, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, Krishnappa Gowtham, Cheteshwar Pujara, M Harisankar Reddy, K Bhagath Varma, C Hari Nishaanth. Purse remaining– 2.55 Crore Here’s a detailed SWOT Analysis of the CSK squad for IPL 2021: Strengths – Experience and Quality all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI) As mentioned ahead, the Chennai Super Kings have many seasoned pros in their squad this year. MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis, DJ Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Imran Tahir, Karn Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, and Robin Uthappa have been a part of this tournament for years now. Even Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar have gained a lot of experience while playing for the Chennai-based franchise. There are close encounters frequently in the IPL. Only the experienced players can achieve success consistently in this tournament. Thus, the rich experience that the squad possesses will be one of their top strengths in the upcoming IPL season. Another strong point in the Chennai Super Kings squad is the number of all-rounders. Moeen Ali, Krishnappa Gowtham, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Sam Curran, DJ Bravo, Mitchell Santner, and Shardul Thakur have the potential to turn the game with their all-round brilliance. Weaknesses – Age factor and Lack of match practice Ambati Rayudu. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI) While their experience makes the Chennai Super Kings one of the top teams in IPL 2021, the age factor could backfire for them as well. Like IPL 2020, injuries could hurt the Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming IPL season. Most of their senior players do not play international cricket regularly. Last year, the fans saw how MS Dhoni struggled to middle the ball in the United Arab Emirates. Even Suresh Raina could not impress much in the 2021 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Ambati Rayudu and Robin Uthappa have not played international cricket for India in the recent past, while Ravindra Jadeja is also nursing an injury. Lack of match practice is something that could hurt the Chennai Super Kings this year. This issue cost them a place in the Top 4 during the previous season. Opportunities – Golden chance for Indian batsmen Ambati Rayudu. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI) Faf du Plessis is the only overseas name present in the batting unit of the Chennai Super Kings. The other foreigners are either all-rounders or bowlers. Thus, the Indian batsmen will have a chance of showcasing their talent, donning the yellow jersey in IPL 2021. With T20 World Cup approaching this year, the likes of Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, and Cheteshwar Pujara have a chance of reviving their limited-overs career. Uncapped players N Jagadeesan and Ruturaj Gaikwad could gain the selectors’ attention with their top-quality performances for the Super Kings this year. Even C Hari Nishaanth was impressive in the 2021 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Indian cricket team will likely play series against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and the Asia Cup after IPL 2021. With the selectors giving chances to the in-form players, the aforementioned names could potentially boost their slim chances of playing in the global event. It will be interesting to see which Indian batsman makes the most out of this opportunity. Threats – Decision to sign Moeen Ali Moeen Ali. (Photo Source: Getty Images) The Chennai Super Kings might also face issues while finalizing their four overseas players. While Moeen Ali is one of the top all-rounders in T20 cricket, the Super Kings team management will have to work hard to include him in the playing XI. Ali is a similar type of player like Suresh Raina and Krishnappa Gowtham. In case the Chennai Super Kings include Moeen Ali, they will have three players of the same category in the playing XI. Also, if Ali occupies one overseas spot, the question will be who will sit out of the playing XI. Sam Curran and Faf du Plessis are likely to play all games for the franchise. Josh Hazlewood, Imran Tahir, and Lungi Ngidi will fight for the overseas bowler’s spot in the playing XI. DJ Bravo is already contending with Mitchell Santner for the second all-rounder’s place. Thus, it will be difficult for the Super Kings to include Ali in the playing XI. An even more challenging task would be to bench him for the entire season after spending 7 crores for his services. Adding an ‘X-factor’ overseas fast bowler could have been a wiser call because Chennai’s pacers had a forgettable IPL 2020.

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IPL 2021: SWOT Analysis of Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Many fans believe the Chennai Super Kings still do not have the perfect squad for IPL 2021.

Weaknesses – Age factor and Lack of match practice

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