Return to fortress Chepauk
MS Dhoni's captaincy and Ban Stokes' X-factor for Chennai Super Kings
Among Indian Premier League's nine teams, Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remain sentimental favourite of the fans, primarily because of the man at the helm.
The 41-year-old Dhoni, with his bulging biceps and never diminishing flash reflexes, remains a top draw even though his batting prowess hasn't got requisite return.
Yet, having led the team to four titles and nine finals, his mere presence makes the opposition try to think out of the box. No one knows what to do with the tangibles as much as the man from Ranchi does and in what could be his last season as a professional cricketer, he might still have some aces up his sleeves.
With IPL returning to its familiar home and away format, CSK will get to play seven games at Fortress Chepauk this season. After failing to qualify for the play-offs last season, Dhoni, who took back the captaincy from an angry Ravindra Jadeja, would certainly like to go out on a high. If he plans to quit also, one can never be sure about Captain Marvel.
In IPL, it will always be foolhardy to keep CSK out of contention and this edition will be no different. And with star England allrounder Ben Stokes in their ranks, CSK will have an imposing look.
STRENGTH
The presence of Ben Stokes will give CSK a different look as his power-hitting could change complexion of any game. Also, on slow Chepauk track, he can produce a magical over or two and at times hurry the batters with his effort deliveries. Seven home games at Chepauk where a Ravindra Jadeja or a Moeen
Ali could prove to be very effective on tacky tracks where run-scoring could be difficult. Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad look one of the most settled pairs among
all teams.
Mukesh Chaudhary being ruled out of the tournament due to injury is a big setback for CSK after his fine performance last season. Deepak Chahar, who has also had recurring back and hamstring issue, remains untested in match conditions, having missed the entire domestic season.
OPPORTUNITY
In the fast bowling department, young Simarjeet Singh, who is deceptively quick, and Lasith Malinga's 'action doppelganger' Matheesa Pathirana will get a chance to stamp their class. Pathirana briefly showed that his slinging action could create trouble for the batters. Of late, he hasn't been a part of the Sri Lankan squad and has been playing domestic cricket after ILT20 in UAE. But in CSK, it is about players Dhoni believes could do the job for his side and Pathirana, if fit, seems to be one of those.