IPL 2019: 3 weaknesses in the Chennai Super Kings squad

Defending champions Chennai Super Kings headed into the IPL Auction with more than three-fourths of their job done, as the men in yellow decided to protract their philosophy of retaining most of the players; the core of the team.

With 23 players already in the squad, three released and two added, one can infer that Stephen Fleming's troops did not disturb the auctioneer too much. They recalled former fast bowler Mohit Sharma and snapped up the talented Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Although they won the title for a remarkable third time and have now decided to go into the next season with the same bunch of professionals, there are a lot of positives and the idea of organization within the squad.

However, there are a few places where the team could have been more balanced and probably, better in terms of quality. On that note, let's take a look at three areas where the Chennai Super Kings team is incomplete.

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#1 The absence of an experienced foreign fast bowler

Can they rely on Lungi Ngidi for the entirety of the campaign?

By foreign fast bowler, we refer to a speedster and not Dwayne Bravo. No disrespect to the former West Indies all-rounder, but after having released Mark Wood, CSK are now left with only Lungi Ngidi and David Willey.

Firstly, to mention, there will be questions over the availability of Willey, who might earn a place in the squad that will host the World Cup next year. Next, it is not largely necessary to have a veteran fast bowler in your ranks, but can they rely on Lungi Ngidi for the entirety of the campaign?

Here, there are no questions over the bowler's prowess, as he is one of the brightest emerging prospects in world cricket. The 22-year-old is someone who can repeatedly hit the deck hard, generate pace, bowl toe-crushing yorkers and utilize variations as well.

But, can someone who has recorded just around 50 T20 appearances be used for 14 matches on the trot? Mumbai Indians bought Lasith Malinga for Rs. 2 Cr and it is safe to say that he will not feature as regularly as he used to a few years back.

His presence albeit, is bound to help youngsters bloom. Thus, should Chennai too, have gone for a Dale Steyn, Kane Richardson or a Morne Morkel?

#2 Lack of young blood in the team

At 37, Watson may not rise up to the occasion every time

With a squad that averages around 32 years of age, Chennai lifted the coveted trophy last season. They have proved it earlier by retaining the nucleus of the team, but will it backfire on them this season?

The likes of Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Shane Watson and Dwayne Bravo are non-active in the international circuit, which only means the blazing summer heat could ask a few questions of their fitness levels.

MS Dhoni too, was dropped from the T20 national squad.

Shane Watson, who tore the Sunrisers apart and metamorphosed the evenness of the final, cannot be asked to go all guns blazing every single time at the age of 37. The same goes with veteran Harbhajan Singh, who hasn't been playing a lot of cricket of late.

Thus, with such an experienced bunch, there are a host of shortcomings as well, which could, in turn, infuse extra pressure on the youngsters to live up to expectations.

To improve the team balance, the think tank should have probably gone for a few youngsters, who would have eased the pressure of these old shoulders.

#3 Little back-up at the top of the order

Faf du Plessis didn't come to the party often last season at the top of the order

Chennai's batting has always been an asset and an example to the other teams that challenge for the trophy, but this time around, there might be a few issues that the giants from Tamil Nadu must address.

Let's start with Ambati Rayudu, CSK's make-shift opener last term. He was the team's Mr. Consistent throughout the course of the season. However, with the arrival of Faf du Plessis midway through, the 33-year-old was pushed down the order.

The Proteas skipper didn't overly impress, apart from a match-winning knock of 67* in the playoffs. There are no doubts over his world-class abilities, but if the back-up is required, Murali Vijay lies in wait.

Apart from Watson, du Plessis and Rayudu, Vijay can start an innings. It is, however, safe to say that the elegant stroke-maker is no more 20-overs material. This largely questions Chennai's top-order depth.

Shouldn't Chennai have invested in an opening batsman?