3 Big Takeaways for CSK going ahead into the playoffs

Chennai Super Kings registered a comprehensive win against Kings XI Punjab in their last league game of this season of the Indian Premier League. After suffering a defeat against Delhi Daredevils a few days back, this was the right opportunity for CSK to fix the issues they were facing before going ahead into the playoffs.

The bowling which has been a problem for CSK in the last few games seems to be sorted out as all the bowlers in the game put up a collective effort to bundle out KXIP for a below par score of 153 inside the 20 overs.

Let us look at 3 positives for CSK going ahead into the play-offs stages.

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#3 Deepak Chahar’s batting

Deepak Chahar is the surprise package of this IPL and for Chennai Super Kings. The young Indian fast bowler has been a revelation with the new ball at the start of the innings. In the 9 games he played this season, Chahar has picked up 8 wickets at an impeccable average of 24. Importantly all his wickets were proper top order batsmen.

But the real surprise came in when he was promoted to bat at number 6 in the game against Kings XI Punjab. He was sent out to bat to score some quick runs and get a feel of batting. The youngster made full use of the opportunity by scoring a quick fire 39 off just 20 balls.

His knock included 3 sixes and 1 boundary. Going ahead into the playoffs, Deepak Chahar can be used as a pinch hitter and his cameos can propel the team score.

#2 Lungi Ngidi with the ball

Lungi Ngidi was picked up by Chennai Super Kings at the auction after his stellar performances in the recently concluded India South Africa series. Ngidi couldn’t get a game in the initial stages of the tournament and warmed the bench. He also had to fly back home due to personal reasons and joined the squad during the middle phase of the tournament.

He played only 5 games this season but managed to pick up 9 wickets with a best of 4/10 in the just concluded game against Kings XI Punjab. For his performance, he was adjudged Man of the Match.

Lungi Ngidi’s form is a great positive sign for the Chennai Super Kings as the batsmen have found it difficult to score against the tall lanky South African fast bowler. Lungi Ngidi’s plus point is his height and the ability to generate pace and bounce on a slow wicket.

With the first playoff to be played at Wankhede Stadium, Ngidi’s slower deliveries and variations will come in handy and if it is his day, he could trouble the strong batting line-up of Sunrisers Hyderabad.

#1 Suresh Raina peaking at the right time

Suresh Raina has put up a sub-par batting display in this season of Indian Premier League. Coming into the final game, Raina has scored 330 runs at a decent average of 33 but with a below par strike rate of 131.47.

As we all know, Suresh Raina is the linchpin of the CSK side and his form is very important going into the play-offs stages. He has been the vital cog for CSK during the playoffs of 2010 and 2011 seasons, where the left hander scored heavy runs and helped CSK lift the trophy twice.

In the game against Kings XI Punjab, Suresh Raina spent valuable time at the crease. He played as many as 48 deliveries, which is the most deliveries he faced this season. He scored 61 runs and remained not out. His knock comprised of 4 boundaries and 2 sixes and showed the glimpses of getting back to his usual best.

Suresh Raina will be going into the playoffs with huge positivity behind him and the track at Wankhede wil be an ideal opportunity for Raina to put up a big score and take his team into the finals.