IPL 2018, playoffs: SWOT analysis of Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Cliched as it might sound, the Chennai Super Kings are back in the playoffs, aiming for a dream third title to wipe out three years of being in the wilderness. MS Dhoni is at the helm, and he has done it in the past: it might seem a bit of a task with several creaking bones in the dressing room, but experience could well be the decisive factor as they try and sneak a place in the finals.

Their opponents are the Sunrisers Hyderabad, top of the table and one of the most consistent teams in the competition.

We take a look at their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats before they enter the all-important clash against the Orange Army.

Strengths

Lord Dhoni has found his touch, and how, rolling back the years as if he has a time-machine in his backyard. The team of creaking terminators might have been the butt of jokes before the league started, but have somehow prevailed, stitching together performances when they needed, and have the top-order, comprising of Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson, who have shone as the edition has progressed.

Dhoni's experience of playing in several playoff games will hold the team in good stead, as will that of others like Harbhajan Singh and Dwayne Bravo.

Weaknesses

The death overs have been a major cause of concern

Untimely injuries and team composition issues meant that the Super Kings could never settle their fast bowling - the death overs have been a major concern for them, even with Dwayne Bravo and his expertise in play.

Unheralded KM Asif was tried out, Mark Wood came and went, David Willey leaked runs like a faulty tap, and Shardul Thakur blew hot and cold. Deepak Chahar's injuries haven't helped their cause as well.

If the side is not able to get their act in place against the Sunrisers, the inability to stop the flow of runs could be detrimental to their fortunes.

Opportunites

Suresh Raina will have an opportunity to rise to the occasion

There's a lot of room for the Super Kings to improve, right from the weakness in the bowling department to the form of some of its key players - Suresh Raina has been getting the scores, but not substantial ones, the kind expected from someone of his caliber.

Dwayne Bravo also has not been able to raise his game to optimum levels and could be the man the Super Kings will be looking towards, with an opportunity to erase the gap left by the two-year suspension and win a third title.

Threats

A win will take CSK straight to the finals

For any team that gets a spot in the Qualifiers, there comes along an air of complacency. The fact that there's one more chance of making it to the finals, if they hurtle to a loss in the Qualifiers, could be something the Super Kings will have to be guarded against.

Also, the fact that they've beaten Hyderabad twice in this edition already might sound like a perfect track record, but playing against an SRH side that has been on song for the most part of the tournament.