CSK: My Favourite Team

With the auctions done and dusted, and the squads fully rebuilt, I feel it's time to evaluate the teams and how they bought, as the preparations for the blockbuster event start once again.

Chennai Super Kings

Retentions: MSD, Sir Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Moeen Ali.

Highest buy: Deepak Chahar (14 cr)

Probable 11:

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad

2. Robin Uthappa

3. Moeen Ali

4. Devon Conway/Adam Milne

5. Ambati Rayadu 

6. MS Dhoni (C & WK)

7. Ravindra Jadeja

8. Shivam Dube/Tushar Deshpande

9. Dwayne Bravo

10. Chris Jordan

11. Deepak Chahar.

Chennai has always valued loyalty to the franchise and often reciprocates that by buying the players who did well for them back. They went about it in similar manners as 8 of the 11 who played in 2021 final find themselves back in the team. However, as I see it, the team this year has been built on similar lines to those of the 2008-10's CSK teams. I feel that even though there are quite a few seniors, most of the players have been brought in to form a stable core that will last the team over this decade or so. 

The other players are generally in their 20s or early-30's making them able to play for at least 6-7 years. This allows the team to let go of some of their stalwarts in the coming years, whether it be to retirement or other franchises, as they have the foundations of a stable core.

However, this does not mean that they are without flaws. The team is yet to find an able replacement for MSD, the keeper, and the captain. Their options in both the departments are limited unless they are willing to groom one of the current players to take the mantle. If not, then CSK will need a captain by the end of next season at the latest.  They possess able finishers in the forms of Deepak Chahar, Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo, all making sure that the teams do not feel the pressure during the death overs. The one major hole that the team has addressed in the auctions is that of an out and out fast bowler, one that can consistently bowl at 140kph+. Adam Milne and Chris Jordan have been bought for those specific reasons, with their speed also becoming a weapon while they bowl at the end. CSK have lacked this in their arsenal since the past mega auction, and it is good to know that they have finally got it.

The bowling attack is set for the games, but they do not quite have able replacements to take their spots in case one of the frontline bowlers gets injured.  Overall, the batting department is a good lineup with depth till number 7-8 with quite a few all-rounders in the team. The captaincy of Dhoni combined with such a varied lineup of seniors should provide the ideal environment for the youngsters to come up and learn from them. 

An all-rounder is generally a two-dimensional cricketer in the sense that he/she can bat and bowl. Having various all-rounders in the team gives MSD the breathing space he requires if not every player is having a good day. It also increases the options he has while bowling, and gives the team a greater batting depth. A greater batting depth allows the team to play their natural game, even if they have lost quick wickets. Such a diverse line-up also makes it harder to plan against the team as you never know when Dhoni and his awareness may disrupt your game plan.

Overall, the team has retained its senior core while also buying quite a few youngsters, making sure that the retirement of their stalwarts will not affect the team as hard as it normally would. CSK once again has the opportunity to go back-to-back, something they have already achieved in the past.