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Mumbai Indians handed Chennai Super Kings their first loss in IPL 2019. The first three matches yielded favorable results for the yellow army, however, their maiden loss raises serious questions about the team's composition in the upcoming matches.
There were some concerns about Chennai Super Kings' prospects initially as they failed to impose their will in the first three games. They did manage to bundle RCB out for 70 in the opening game but they also took 17 overs to successfully chase the meager target.
The games against Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals had similar scripts, with the experienced campaigners covering up other weaknesses in the side. However, these weaknesses were cruelly exposed in the match against Mumbai.
Almost every opponent would've now taken notice of their flaws and will try to develop plans to expose them. On that note, here are three major areas of concern for CSK:
#1 Rayudu's questionable form
Ambati Rayudu was exceptional during the previous IPL. The Hyderabad batsman notched 602 runs in 16 games as an opener and finished as the side's highest run-getter. Thus, it looked like the team would depend on him heavily during this season as well.
However, early signs point to the fact that Rayudu is struggling under the weight of expectations. 28, 5, 1 and 0 were his scores in the first four matches of the season.
A great player of both pace and spin, and capable of batting at any position in the batting order, Rayudu's dip in form will be especially worrying for the team and will put them under a great deal of pressure.
CSK haven't trusted their backup Indian opener, Murali Vijay, or other domestic batsmen by giving them many opportunities and as a result their fortunes will depend heavily on Rayudu going forward.
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#2 Lack of variety in their bowling
One of the aspects that CSK will miss in their bowling will be the sheer pace of Lungi Ngidi. The young South African played well for them in the previous season, but an unfortunate injury ahead of IPL 2019 season ruled him out of the competition.
The team's spin attack alone is enough in home conditions to get crucial wickets. However, in away games, they have missed the ferocious pace that Ngidi brings to the table. Ngidi would've complemented the young Indian medium-fast bowlers very well.
In his absence, the veteran death-overs specialist Bravo will be under a lot of pressure to deliver. The absence of left-arm medium fast bowler David Willey takes away another weapon from their bowling arsenal.
Ngidi's replacement, Scott Kuggeleijn, is expected to make his debut shortly. However, his inexperience playing in Indian conditions could be a cause for concern.
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#3 A return to reality?
Chennai Super Kings started the previous season by defeating their arch rivals Mumbai Indians. There was absolutely no turning back from that as the team went on to win the trophy.
However, with their most recent defeat to MI in IPL 2019, CSK seem to have returned to reality after a fairytale 2018 season. There were concerns last season surrounding the age of the players and how it would affect their performances during the latter half of the season. Those concerns remain just as valid right now.
Dwayne Bravo picked up a hamstring during the match against MI. 5 years back, Shane Watson wouldn't have had problems delivering a few overs of his own to cover up. However, in 2019 the Australian all-rounder is not in the greatest shape to bowl regularly.
The CSK veterans have enjoyed great success in the seasons gone by, but is the age factor finally catching up to them?
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