One time champion, two-time finalists and three-time semi-finalists in the last three editions of IPL – the facts speak for themselves. While the CSK team remains more or less the same as before, with two new teams joining in, the tournament only gets tougher.
Honestly, CSK’s performance in this edition so far has not been up to the expectations they had set up for the fans. Barely cruising through in the match against KKR and unable to defend a stellar total of 188 against KXIP – is this portend of things to come?
Of course, Chennai did not have two crucial players in those two matches – Bollinger and Hussey. While the entry of Bollinger should significantly strengthen the bowling attack, Mike should be able to add power to the top order.
On paper, CSK look quite formidable. Murali Vijay’s knock of 127 off 56 balls against RR in IPL 2010 makes him one of the most dangerous men out there to watch out for. The Right-Left opening combo of Vijay-Hussey should make life difficult for the opponent bowlers; much to the advantage of CSK.
CSK has excellent depth in its batting with every player in the middle order being a champion in his own league. Be it Badrinath or Raina or Anirudha or Captain Cool himself, every one of them is a match winner and CSK needs to leverage upon this strength.
The bowling attack of CSK by no means can be taken lightly either. Two top class off-break bowlers Suraj Randiv and Ashwin, supported by left arm orthodox spinner Jakati and part-time bowler Suresh Raina gives a strong spin play for the team.
On the other hand, Bollinger and Southee bring in the required variation and depth in the form of pace. Incidentally, Southee was the third highest wicket taker in the World Cup this time and one of the most promising bowlers in Cricket today.
Yes, we do have the near perfect team as of now, to do an encore of IPL 2010. The only thing remains is to make the near-perfect perfect by ensuring execution. The carom balls and the helicopter shots need to get back in action and CSK will reign yet again!