IPL 2020: SWOT Analysis of Chennai Super Kings

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) haven't had a great few weeks in the lead-up to the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020).

MS Dhoni's men have faced setback after setback recently - the captain himself retired from international cricket, vice-captain Suresh Raina did the same and withdrew from IPL 2020, and Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad tested positive for COVID-19.

However, if anyone can turn this difficult situation around, it is CSK. The 3-time IPL champions have always shown that they can get things done, although they haven't even started training for this edition of the tournament yet.

In this article, we carefully analyse the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the CSK squad ahead of IPL 2020.

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CSK in IPL 2020: Strengths

CSK leg-spinner Imran Tahir was the Purple Cap winner in IPL 2019 with 26 wickets

#1 CSK have the best spin attack in IPL 2020

Perhaps the most telling factor in CSK's success over the years in the IPL has been their spin attack, and this year's squad is no different.

CSK have unmatched versatility and experience in their spin attack, which comprises of Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Karn Sharma, Piyush Chawla, Imran Tahir, Mitchell Santner and R Sai Kishore, apart from the part-time option of Kedar Jadhav.

With pitches in the UAE low and slow, these spinners can wreak havoc like they have done so many times in the past. With MS Dhoni behind the stumps, CSK have arguably the greatest captain of spinners the game has ever seen.

The former Indian captain is unmatched in his reading of the game and restricting the flow of runs in the middle overs and his expertise will elevate the spinners, who are already world-class, to a whole new level.

#2 CSK are the most experienced side in IPL 2020

An aspect of the squad that has been critiqued and analysed to an unhealthy extent is the average age. While it is justified to claim that CSK aren't building for the future, it would be foolhardy to not recognise the value that the team's 30+ players bring.

With experience playing in all conditions and situations, CSK's "Daddies Army" will perhaps turn out to be their biggest strength in the unprecedented times that IPL 2020 is taking place in. Although their fielding will take a hit (more on that later), the pros of the veteran leadership in the team cannot be overstated.

CSK's experience has served them well in the past and will, in all likelihood, continue to do so in IPL 2020.

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CSK in IPL 2020: Weaknesses

Dwayne Bravo is nowhere near as effective as he once was in the IPL

#1 CSK have a threadbare pace attack

A problem that has plagued them for a few seasons now, CSK's threadbare pace attack is still far from solid despite the acquisitions of Sam Curran and Josh Hazlewood in the 2020 IPL auction.

While Curran is still expected to be a key player despite largely underachieving in his only IPL season so far, Hazlewood is almost entirely untested at the highest levels of T20 cricket.

Deepak Chahar has been their only consistent performer, even earning a few call-ups to the Indian T20I squad, but he is currently recovering from COVID-19 and perhaps cannot be thrown into the thick of things immediately. His partner-in-crime, Shardul Thakur, has economy rates of over 9 in both his IPL seasons for CSK and arguably doesn't have enough variations to perform at the level that is expected of him.

Dwayne Bravo recently became the first bowler in T20 history to take 500 wickets but the West Indian is getting on in age and is a shadow of the lethal death bowler he once was, although he does continue to provide crucial breakthroughs.

Lungi Ngidi might not get enough games, with the departure of Raina needing the batting department to be beefed up either by a similar left-hander - Sam Curran - or an overseas professional in Du Plessis.

CSK's lack of depth in the pace department could haunt them in IPL 2020.

#2 The current situation in the UAE is highly detrimental to CSK

The circumstances surrounding the CSK squad in the UAE at the moment might be detrimental in more ways than one.

The withdrawal of Suresh Raina has left a gaping 5,368-run hole at No. 3 and they might not have enough time to find an adequate replacement. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is slated to be his direct replacement in the playing XI, hasn't played a single IPL game and the other Indian batter on the bench - wicket-keeper N Jagadeesan, hasn't as well.

The positive COVID-19 tests have ensured that they will start training almost a week after all other IPL teams, leaving them with significantly less time to prepare for the tournament. With the players on the wrong side of 30, the lack of sufficient practice ahead of a tournament that is taking place in the sweltering UAE conditions will be a major problem for CSK.

#3 Fielding will be (and has been) an issue for CSK

The biggest reason why the age factor has been under a spotlight is fielding. MS Dhoni, who once dropped even Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag because they weren't the sprightliest in the field, has had to make to with a number of sub-par fielders manning all the important positions.

The likes of Chahar and Thakur have had to man the boundaries, because players like Shane Watson and Kedar Jadhav no longer have obliging hamstrings. The fielding, which could cost them 15-20 runs each time, has further been worsened by Raina's departure.

Dhoni is certainly of the opinion that these players are more than capable of contributing heavily in other departments, but if Imran Tahir, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla and Shane Watson (no disrespect to them, of course) all take to the field at once, it won't be a sight that will please CSK fans.

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CSK in IPL 2020: Opportunities

Ambati Rayudu has a lot riding on the 2020 IPL

#1 CSK have a host of players with a point to prove

This strength has perhaps been diminished by the recent retirements of MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina, but CSK still have a host of players who have a point to prove - both to their fans and to their critics - in IPL 2020.

Ambati Rayudu seems to be out of the reckoning for a spot in the Indian ODI team, and in the absence of Raina, the additional responsibility that he could take on might just persuade the selectors to give him another go.

Faf du Plessis' form for South Africa was under immense scrutiny before Quinton de Kock took over the captaincy reins for the white-ball teams, and the former Proteas captain will be keen on showing his country that he still has a lot left to give.

Harbhajan Singh recently spoke of his dreams of an international recall, and cited the example of former CSK pacer Ashish Nehra. This is, of course, subject to the availability of the off-spinner, who hasn't travelled to the UAE yet.

Even Murali Vijay, who has been perhaps India's best Test opener in the last decade, has been missing in action in the longest format of the game for quite some time now. Should he be given a go at the top of the order in the absence of Raina, he will be keen on giving a good account of himself.

A number of CSK players have the opportunity to revive their international careers with their performances in IPL 2020.

#2 Young players finally have the opportunity to shine for CSK

In recent years, CSK haven't really been focused on developing young talent by giving them a consistent run of games like they once did with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. The careers of the team's stalwarts are slowly winding down and the standard CSK strategy of retaining the core might not bear fruit anymore.

And in the 2020 IPL, CSK have the distinct opportunity to give young stars like Curran, Gaikwad, Sai Kishore and Jagadeesan the chances to make an impact at the IPL. These cricketers would not only inject energy and enthusiasm on the field but would also help the franchise build towards the future.

CSK in IPL 2020: Threats

Deepak Chahar recently said that he is recovering well after testing positive for COVID-19

#1 CSK face a distinct injury threat in IPL 2020

One of the benefits of the long pandemic-enforced break for CSK is that is has ensured that players start on even footing, given that they've not hit the nets in several months. However, this is clearly outweighed by the injury threat that looms dangerously over those in the squad who are getting on in age.

We have already seen Kedar Jadhav miss an entire season due to a hamstring injury, and we have also seen Dwayne Bravo take it a bit easier than he usually would in the field as a precautionary measure. Shane Watson doesn't bowl anymore for the same reason.

Add to this the fact that they are resuming practice later than anyone else, and you get a team that is at high risk of injuries. While there is immense potential on the bench, these players haven't proven themselves at the IPL level yet.

#2 CSK's morale might have been affected by recent events

With the sudden departure of Raina and the positive tests of over 10 members of the support staff, CSK's morale might not be very high at the moment. The team has been widely criticised by all corners of the cricketing fraternity for deciding to conduct a pre-season camp at Chepauk, which is believed to be the cause of the infection.

The Men in Yellow are still in quarantine and are separated from their families, and the toll that this could take on them cannot be quantified. While this is something that will slip under the radar of many fans while watching their heroes on TV, it is important to understand how difficult the constant COVID-19 tests and isolation is for the players.

CSK might not be directly and visibly impacted by this, but at some level, this is sure to cause a tinge of worry among fans of the team.

#3 Lack of match practice could haunt CSK in IPL 2020

This is a threat and not a weakness, since almost all teams have had little match practice.

But it is important to note that CSK's star players are coming into this tournament directly after months of hiatus, while many marquee players from other franchises are coming into IPL 2020 after playing either the Caribbean Premier League or other bilateral international series.

For CSK, only Dwayne Bravo (CPL), as well as Sam Curran and Josh Hazlewood (if they play in the ENG vs AUS series), will come into IPL 2020 having played top-quality cricket. The IPL Governing Council is considering hosting warm-up matches for all teams, though, and CSK might just manage.