IPL 2018: Three reasons why CSK will be a tough nut to crack

The two-time IPL champions are back in the fold after serving a two-year ban. The Chennai Super Kings, under MS Dhoni, have decided to go for a lot of experience and players who have been a part of winning sides before.

Interestingly, after the IPL player auctions in January, many fans and critics took to social media to mock CSK as “Chennai Senior Kings” considering the age of most players picked for the upcoming season.

However, in all honesty, the think tank has managed to put together a side that can go all the way to claim the IPL title for the third time. Here are three reasons:

Strong outfit for home conditions

Traditionally, the 22 yards at Chepauk have always been on the slower and drier side and hence suit spinners and change of pace from the seamers. This was evident from CSK coach Stephen Fleming, bowling coach L Balaji and the other members of the think-tank's decision to strengthen the spin department in order to have various options.

The likes of Harbhajan Singh, Karn Sharma and Imran Tahir were included in the squad. Moreover, Kedar Jadhav, with his off-spin, has been a wicket-taker for Team India.

Not only did they go for spin bowling options but if you look at the batsmen picked by CSK this season, they are all good players of spin as well. The likes of Murali Vijay, Kedar Jadhav and Ambati Rayudu have the ability to hit the spinners a long way. If you add Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni to the lost, this becomes a strong unit in home conditions where they will be playing 7 out of 14 games.

Experienced Indian players

Over the years, the side which have the best Indian group of players have gone on to win the IPL title. Since a team can fit in only 4 foreign players, it is the Indian contingent that needs more focus. The primary reason for Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians doing so well in recent years is because of the good Indian players on their rosters.

All the players mentioned above - you can include Shardul Thakur - have played for India in some format or the other. Not many sides in the IPL can field 7 players who have all represented the country. The experience of handling pressure might come in handy especially during the final phase of the league.

MS Dhoni – the leader who knows how to win

One of the most successful captains India have ever produced is back in yellow this season and CSK fans would be hoping that his midas touch continues.

Having led CSK to the final four in all the seasons so far, Dhoni knows how to win, especially tight games. His record - two IPL and two Champions League titles - speaks for itself and the consistency with which he has been able to do that in a fickle format like T20 is mind-blowing.