IPL 2018: 3 Secrets to CSK's success

There is no doubt that CSK has enjoyed tremendous success in this year’s IPL up until now with both bat and ball. Winning 4 out of 5, they truly have had a prolific season, but who or what do we credit this to?

Many people are talking about Shane Watson’s form and Dwayne Bravo’s heroics, but here are the top three lesser-talked secrets to CSK’s success.

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#3 MS Dhoni’s form

MS Dhoni has been in great form with the bat this season

Many people at RPS and even in the Indian team had been sweating over the form of MS Dhoni with the bat. But Dhoni has again answered his critics in a smashing way. Although the CSK captain is far from his best lately, and he has not disappointed his fans in this year's IPL.

He has scored 139 runs at a more than a decent average of 46.33, and he has not only led from the front, but has compiled some noteworthy innings as well with the bat. He almost pulled it off when it was really looking unlikely with his 79 of 44 against Kings XI Punjab.

Against SRH, he provided the finishing touches required and propelled the score to 182. He has been in absolutely amazing form and has given the CSK fans another reason to be happy about. He has saved his best for the IPL.

#2 Deepak Chahar’s bowling

Deepak Chahar has taken 6 wickets in 5 games so far

CSK has a knack of picking quality Indian pacers who can swing the bowl upfront - be it Mohit Sharma, Ishwar Pandey or even giving the evergreen Ashish Nehra a chance to make an Indian comeback.

Hopefully, Deepak Chahar will become a part of this famed legacy. From being selected ahead of the experienced Shardul Thakur, to being the new swing king for CSK this season, Chahar has done well for the Chennai franchise.

Chahar has had a fabulous start to this year’s IPL. 6 wickets in 5 matches is an understatement of how well and how important he has been for CSK. Getting wickets in the powerplay and swinging it both ways is his mantra.

#1 Depth in the CSK XI

CSK have a great depth in their Playing XI

Many wouldn't have predicted that Chennai Super Kings would be at the top of the table ahead of SRH and other teams, who clearly had better squad depth and variety with both bat and ball, but CSK has proved everyone wrong.

They may not have as much depth as teams like SRH, but their first XI is as flexible as any. Take, for example, in the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, when they replaced a bowler in Imran Tahir with a batsman in Faf du Plessis.

In their top 6, they have dynamic all-rounders like Shane Watson, Dwayne Bravo, and Suresh Raina, who can bowl a minimum of 4 overs. If any of their main bowlers have a bad day, then even more overs can be expected. In the batting department, a player like Ambati Rayudu can be used as a floater.

Down the order, players like Karn Sharma and Harbhajan Singh can really prove to be more than capable finishers in the death overs. This type of depth is very rare and can set the foundation for another successful campaign.