Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are the second-best team in the history of the IPL. After the Mumbai Indians, who have won five titles, CSK is a close second with four trophies. The biggest reason is their skipper, MS Dhoni, also known as Captain Cool.
Known to manage his resources well, Dhoni led them to four IPL titles. After the IPL win in 2021, the team changed tact and put Ravindra Jadeja as the new skipper, resulting in disastrous results. They were the first team to be knocked out of the IPL Matka 2022, alongside the Mumbai Indians, who would go on to lose eight matches in a row.
The Five Factors
CSK reinstated Dhoni as the skipper, and the results are in front of everyone to see. CSK has been outstanding this season as we head into the business end. One reason is, of course, Dhoni’s captaincy. But besides this, we take a look at the other five factors that might have played a role in the Yellow Brigade’s rise this season.
Solid Batting Upfront:
Right from game one, CSK had solved this part of the puzzle well – opening batting is the key in the shortest format. If it was Ruturaj Gaikwad in the first match, then Devon Conway took over in the next matches and ensured CSK had some terrific starts.
Gaikwad started with a bang and scored 92 in the opening match, followed by another half-century against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Meanwhile, by this time, Conway had gotten into the groove. So when, against Rajasthan Royals, Gaikwad didn’t score, Conway ensured CSK had the start they needed.
Rahane Resurgence:
Ajinkya Rahane was going through some tough times prior to IPL 2023. His place in the Test side was gone, and he was also released from the IPL franchise – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Nevertheless, he used this opportunity to bounce back.
Such was his performance that he got picked in India’s World Test Championship (WTC) final squad against Australia. But it all began in a yellow jersey when he smashed 61 runs against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede. Ben Stokes was unfortunately injured, which meant the middle order had to be altered. Here, Rahane made the most of his chances.
Moreover, his innings of 71 runs off just 29 balls at Eden Gardens against KKR was the stuff of legends. His reverse sweep was a message to his detractors that the 34-year-old wouldn’t mind being unorthodox if the push came to shove.
Top-Class Death Bowling:
Tushar Deshpande kept on bowling no balls in one instance in the match against LSG. Here, skipper MS Dhoni stepped in and removed him from the attack.
Later, as he was brought back after this ‘rest,’ no one expected him to fire on all cylinders as he was having a bad day. But that was what happened. He came back and bowled a superb 17th over, giving away just seven runs.
Not only improvement from Desphande after this match, but he is currently the highest wicket-taker for CSK. Moreover, they have found an excellent death bowler in Matheesha Pathirana, also known as the ‘Baby Malinga.’
Against KKR, he picked up the crucial wicket of Andre Russell, giving away 27 runs in his four overs. The young Sri Lankan is being groomed to take over death-bowling duties for CSK, and you will see more of him in the next few matches.
Rise of Shivam Dube:
One more factor has come into play in CSK’s favour. It is Shivam Dube’s explosive batting. The batting all-rounder has already accounted for scores like 52 and 50 in the tournament, and his muscle power made all the difference for CSK in high-scoring matches. He remains inconsistent, but unlike the top four, he is usually pushed around depending on the situation.
In Ben Stokes’ absence, he also has to double up as a finisher, which puts extra pressure on his batting. While he batted at six in the opening match against GT, he was promoted to three against LSG in the next match. His best scores have come at four, so CSK might consider him for the position and give him some time to settle down.
Effective Spin Line-Up:
In the match against LSG, CSK was heading for a big loss. That’s when Moeen Ali stepped up and picked up four wickets. This act would go on to turn the match on its head.
CSK has always been one of those teams that relies heavily on spin. With Ravindra Jadeja’s permanent presence, the team went after Moeen Ali, Maheesh Theekshana, and Mitchell Santner. The strategy paid off, with one of the spinners picking up crucial breakthroughs on many occasions. While Jadeja has accounted for more than ten wickets, Moeen, too, has a few wickets to his name.
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Conclusion
CSK, as of now, is in the top four as we head into the business end of the tournament. CSK has almost figured out their combinations, but do expect a few changes here and there as the pitch conditions change. Nevertheless, they must be wary of the three top teams – Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, and Rajasthan Royals – as they can level the playing field. So, if they can keep up this performance for a week more, they will surely be eyeing the title for the fifth time.
