IPL 8: SWOT analysis of Chennai Super Kings

The IPL heavyweights need to win this year's tournament to hold on to that surname as they are without a title for three years now.

Strengths

It has been eight years since the beginning of the tournament and Super Kings are the only side to enter with the same leader, more so, a settled group of players - no doubt a huge advantage.

Chepauk is back as the home ground after the team was forced to get shelter in Ranchi. All eyes will be on the strip that should be assisting CSK spinners and stay low and dry for the batsmen to take advantage as well.

Weaknesses

Dwayne Smith's lack of runs leading into the tournament means Michael Hussey is required to play a bigger role than expected. Stephen Fleming should soon find a who is going to be their first choice to partner McCullum. If the wrong player is persisted with, it will be a major jolt to the campaign.

Lack of express fast bowlers is a concern and Kyle Abbott might not play at all with all 4 foreign slots used up for batsmen and all-rounders.

Dwayne Bravo is entering into the competition without any match practice, a major concern for the reigning Champions League T20 champions.

Opportunities

If Brendon McCullum carries on his World Cup form and Suresh Raina remains the player he was for the Kings before, Super Kings have a very good chance of making the playoffs (minimum). 

Samuel Badree, Rahul Sharma, Pawan Negi, Pratyush Singh will all be fighting for a place that doesn't exist at all with Suresh Raina and Faf du Plessis chipping in as the third spinner. 

Irfan Pathan's last IPL was a nightmare with Sunrisers Hyderabad and he will be competing with Ashish Nehra and Ishwar Pandey for a place in the XI. 

Threats

Having options to choose from is to some extent a new thing for the Super Kings. As mentioned earlier, there is a need to identify the choices and stick with them. 

In a span of 7 days between the 28th of April and 4th of May, the side plays 4 matches across three cities - watch out for the fatigue factor.

CSK might also have a problem of complacency as the competition progresses though chances are minimal.

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