IPL 2021: SWOT Analysis – Chennai Super Kings eye powerful resurgence
Arguably the most successful franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the Mumbai Indians, the Chennai Super Kings had a forgettable outing last year in the UAE. The 2020 IPL edition was the first time that they failed to make it to the Playoffs. With slight changes in their personnel, the MS Dhoni-led army is expected to bounce back strongly in the upcoming edition. Before they step out against Delhi Capitals on 10th April 2021 in their opening encounter, let us do a SWOT Analysis of the CSK side.
Strengths
CSK is led by arguably one of the finest leaders that the sport has ever witnessed. In addition to that, they have plenty of experienced players in their squad which makes them a strong side. CSK definitely missed their batting mainstay Suresh Raina in the previous edition, and his comeback adds immense strength to a batting lineup that already has the likes of Faf du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and skipper Dhoni himself.
Ruturaj Gaikwad shone brightly in 2020, whereas CSK’s all-rounder stocks have improved too, after the addition of Moeen Ali. Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has opted out of the tournament due to bio-bubble fatigue. However, the CSK side has roped in express pacer Mark Wood as a like-for-like replacement and is a brilliant prospect.
Weaknesses
While experience is a virtue that any team likes to possess, too much of it in the shortest format, at times, can backfire. With many of the players on the wrong side of 30, the absence of youth, especially in a dynamic format like T20 is certainly an area that the ‘Yellow Brigade’ needs to take care of. Not to mention that many of CSK’s star players have retired from international cricket, whereas Ravindra Jadeja is returning after an extended break due to injury, which might lead to slight rustiness.
While the addition of Moeen Ali has bolstered CSK’s spin department, the other spinners in their arsenal were not too effective last year. Also, Imran Tahir was benched for a majority of the previous season. Given that there is no home advantage this season with all games being played at neutral venues, CSK will have to come up with a plan about how they utilize their spinners.
Opportunities
CSK has been a champion franchise in the history of the league with more playoff appearances than any other side. And, after the kind of performance they came up with last year, the areas for improvement are plenty for them. Further, the upcoming edition will be a chance for players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, N Jagadeeshan, and the likes to prove their worth at the big stage of IPL.
Together we can! #WhistlePodu #Yellove ?? pic.twitter.com/fJZpt8iwfW
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 31, 2021
Threats
The biggest problem in the 13th IPL edition for CSK was their slow start and lack of intent. With Suresh Raina back in the side, he will have a major responsibility to ensure that CSK does not fall too far behind when they start their innings.
