CLT20 2014: SWOT analysis of Chennai Super Kings

Since the inaugural season of IPL in 2008 and CLT20 the following year, the two high profile competitions have seen plenty of eye-catching action, iconic moments and momorable thrillers, throwing the cricket crazy people into jubilious celebrations.Even with all the intense cricket action and changing times as the global tournament enters its 6th year, there is one constant figure in the scheme of things – CHENNAI SUPER KINGS. Only Mumbai Indians come anywhere near in matching the winning percentage of MS Dhoni’s men. Let us have a look at the chances of the most consistant T20 team of the IPL in this edition of CLT20 to be held in India.Fixtures:Sep 17: v Kolkata Knight Riders, HyderabadSep 22: v Dolphins, BengaluruSep 25: v TBD, BengaluruSep 28: v Perth Scorchers, Bengaluru

#1 Strengths

There is a lot to write under this category as they have the most dependable and stable batting line-up, if not the most destructive of all teams and an equally capable bowling unit. As with the modern cricketing norms, they also have a few world class fielders to convert those half chances and a proactive skipper in Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

For a team that has so much depth in squad that even the highest run-scorer in T20s – Brendon McCullum, is not a guaranteed starter, tells how strong the batting order is. Notably, Faf du Plessis will be high on confidence after breaking the record for most runs in a triangular ODI tournament in Zimbabwe. Suresh Raina and Dhoni can turn matches on their own.

Despite Ben Hilfenhaus and Ishwar Pandey having had a decent last season, Dhoni has time and again mentioned that absence of the West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo as the weak link. With him back in the team setup, the Kings resemble a complete, well-polished unit. The Trinidadian can contribute with both bat and ball and most importantly, takes care of the death bowling with his medium pacers to good effect.

#2 Weakness

There are no real loopholes in the team setup of the Kings’, but there are a few things they should be aware of. With an array of match winners at their disposal, the batsmen often end up waiting for others to lead from the front without taking the responsibility of a run chase themselves and has many a times led to their downfall in the past. One good innings at the top can be followed by a cluster of batting failures, leaving very little on the board.

True, they have big match players who are capable of delivering at the right time, but are still looking up to spinners for breakthroughs on most occasions. And the death bowling cannot be only dependent on the slow deliveries alone from Mohit Sharma and Dwayne Bravo.

Also, there is one unsolved mystery behind the decision to alter the batting order in the later stages of the last IPL, which exposed Brendon McCullum’s problems against spin early in his innings. du Plessis is the safe bet at No.4, and is better equipped against both spin and pace.

This indicates that the Protean is the right man for the middle overs and the perfect recipe for success. McCullum’s game is more suited to the powerplays and Stephen Fleming should be aware of this. The South African has expressed his wish to bat at the top, but has to be made aware of his role clearly. If not, the wrong ploy could pull the team down.

#3 Opportunities

The Super Kings may have a great record in the IPL, but it’s Mumbai Indians who are ahead of them when it comes to CLT20. This season is another oppourtunity for the ‘Men in Yellow’ to keep the records straight and to stake claim as the most consistent T20 team in the world.

When it comes to the individuals, John Hastings might permanently end up warming the bench with Bravo back after the injury lay-off in IPL 2014. Samuel Badree, if drafted in, might add a new dimension to the already strong spin attack with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. However, chances are very minimal for the leg-spinner’s inclusion.

With Ben Hilfenhaus left out of the15-member squad, Ishwar Pandey has a very good chance to impress his national captain with some decisive seam bowling.

#4 Threats

The two-month long, highly demanding IPL calender might be burdensome for the other teams in terms of fatigue and form, but not for the Super Kings. They get better with time and even have a reputation of being slow starters. With the format of the CLT20 requiring teams to get going straightaway, there is no time available for the champion side to be laid back. By the time they start up their engine, the tournament might well be over.

With them facing the defending IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening fixture, there is additional pressure to get first points on board. The fact that they have to play three of their four group fixtures in Bangalore makes it slightly difficult. Their slow ball strategy at the death and bowling spin inside powerplays might not work with shorter boundaries.

If they can get past the group stage, which might be a simple target once they post a win against KKR, the Kings can be expected to go the distance after failing in the semi-final against Rajasthan Royals in 2013.