IPL 2019: Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each team

The entire attention of the buzzing cricket fraternity turns to the Indian Premier League, which is now just a week away from commencement.

With all the preparations heading into a busier stage, permutations and combinations being charted out, players being prepared and game plans being protracted, we can expect nothing short of high-intensity cricket, action, drama and nail-biting last-ball finishes.

Each side has its own specialties and shortcomings. Each of them have their icons, heroes, trump cards and match winners, which is what makes the IPL so entertaining yet unpredictable.

As all the eight teams are doing their homework, it's time we do ours as well.

Here, we'll discuss each team's strengths, weaknesses and possibilities ahead of the forthcoming 12th edition of the crippling IPL.

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#1 Chennai Super Kings

What are the loopholes within the CSK squad?

Squad: MS Dhoni (C & WK), KM Asif, Sam Billings, Chaitanya Bishnoi, Dwayne Bravo, Deepak Chahar, Faf Du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir, Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav, Narayan Jagadeesan, Lungi Ngidi, Suresh Raina, Monu Kumar, Mitchell Santner, Karn Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Dhruv Shorey, Shardul Thakur, Murali Vijay, Shane Watson, David Willey

Strengths

Let's begin with the champions. For sure, the first strength of this side is its captain himself, MS Dhoni. One of the sharpest minds to have played the game, the explosive right-hander has learned the winning formula of this tournament not once or twice, but thrice. One can take absolutely nothing away from the skipper.

More so, the strength of this unit lies in its batting and flexibility. Last season, to send Ambati Rayudu at the top of the order was a masterclass act. The likes of Faf du Plessis, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Kedar Jadhav form a brilliant middle order, where any of these can fit into different roles as per the situation's demands.

Another thing opponents must be wary of is the spin department of the defending champions, with experience in Harbhajan Singh and Imran Tahir coupled with the variety in Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner. Not to mention, Kedar Jadhav is more than capable of bowling four overs.

Weaknesses

CSK's main weakness is the lack of depth in their pace battery. Their foreign pacers are nowhere as good as fast bowlers in the other sides, while Mohit Sharma had a horrendous IPL 2018. Deepak Chahar was in good touch last season but was sparingly used in the death.

With age not on Shane Watson's side, we can't expect him to bowl too many overs either.

Verdict

Overall, CSK look a rather formidable unit, with the right amount of depth. Their batting is stacked with match-winners, and so is their spin department. Under the stewardship of Dhoni, they look good to go, once again.

#2 Delhi Capitals

Shreyas Iyer

Squad: Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Prithvi Shaw, Manjot Kalra, Hanuma Vihari, Colin Ingram, Sherfaine Rutherford, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Sandeep Lamichhane, Trent Boult, Ishant Sharma, Nathu Singh, Keemo Paul, Bandaru Ayyappa, Harshal Patel, Rahul Tewatia, Colin Munro, Chris Morris, Axar Patel, Jalaj Saxena, Ankush Bains, Rishabh Pant.

Strengths

Having released a big slew of players ahead of the auction, the newly christened Delhi Capitals had a task on their hands. They brought in a host of talent for different departments, and it's fair to say they look pretty balanced - after many years, indeed.

Their biggest strength is the Indian batting core, comprising of the fearless Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant, the seasoned Shikhar Dhawan and the skipper himself, Shreyas Iyer. Not to mention, their foreign batting slice consists of the destructive Colin Munro and an industrious Colin Ingram.

What was most impressive from Ricky Ponting's side was the fact that they addressed their issue straight to the point. They needed a floater, hence they dished out 6.40 Cr for Ingram.

With Sandeep Lamichhane and Axar Patel in, alongside Amit Mishra, they have a power-packed spin unit - with some wrist spin, conventional off-spin and the 'mystery' spin as well. Trent Boult and Kagiso Rabada meanwhile, need no introduction to the cricketing world.

Weaknesses

Perhaps, the main weakness DC have is within their own minds. For a side that hasn't achieved its targets for many seasons, it's always an uphill task for the captain and coach to overturn recent fortunes, albeit it's a new season.

Speaking in terms of the team, it's highly important for Chris Morris to fire, as he remains the only genuine all-rounder who can bowl pace. He wasn't at his prolific best last season, so the onus lies on him to serve the goods.

Verdict

DC look a very strong team this time around. They have quality all-rounders, lethal pace bowlers and arguably the best Indian batting unit. The team balance looks sharp. Should they apply themselves and find the right team combination early on, top 4 will be a definite berth.

#3 Kings XI Punjab

KXIP have a strong top order

Squad: KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Andrew Tye, Mayank Agarwal, Ankit Rajpoot, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Karun Nair, David Miller, Ravichandran Ashwin (c), Moises Henriques, Nicholas Pooran, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sam Curran, Mohammad Shami, Sarfaraz Khan, Hardus Viljoen, Arshdeep Singh, Darshan Nalkande, Prabhsimran Singh, Agnivesh Ayachi, Harpreet Brar, Mandeep Singh and Murugan Ashwin

Strengths

Here's another team that has not enjoyed much success but will enter the forthcoming season with a fairly balanced group of players. In KL Rahul and the in-form Chris Gayle, KXIP just couldn't ask for more. Their batting is a major plus, as Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair and David Miller are all match-winners on their day.

With Shami slotted in, they have a fantastic fast bowling unit. Mujeeb ur Rahman is another trump card in the spin department. The all-round abilities of Moises Henriques and Ravichandran Ashwin add stability to the squad.

Weaknesses

Last season, they won just one out of their last eight games and therefore lost out on a playoff spot. One weakness that was visible was the batting order. KL Rahul and Gayle are irreplaceable, but who will bat at number 3?

Neither did Mayank, Karun Nair or Yuvraj Singh do justice to the same last season.

Verdict

KXIP are a fine side; it just comes down to how quickly they find their best playing XI. The team management must look at each player's strengths and play them accordingly, as per the pitch's demands.

#4 Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR look a little short of quality pace bowlers

Squad: Dinesh Karthik (c), Robin Uthappa, Chris Lynn, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shubman Gill, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Carlos Brathwaite, Anrich Nortje, Lockie Ferguson, Harry Gurney, Nikhil Naik, Yarra Prithviraj, Shrikant Mundhe, Joe Denly

Strengths

KKR's biggest strength lies in their foreign individuals, who just cannot be ignored. Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell are more than just match-winners, they are characters on and off the pitch.

Besides, their batting looks good with the likes of Nitish Rana, Robin Uthappa and Shubman Gill.

Weaknesses

This team does have quite a few weaknesses. If looked at it beyond the openers, the number 3,4 and 5, there are quite a few holes that need to be plugged. Who can they field at number 6 or 7, alongside Andre Russell? It'll be highly important to assign specific roles.

Next, Lockie Ferguson and Anrich Nortje are highly inexperienced, which can't necessarily be a bonus. They also lost their U-19 stars in Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti as well. Although both of them will be replaced, it leaves a threat to the two-time champions.

Verdict

One thing is for sure - KKR never say die. Regardless of their shortcomings, they will win matches, play to their basics and find the right combinations, courtesy Jacques Kallis, who knows the DNA of the team in and out.

#5 Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians have a strong Indian nucleus

Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Anmolpreet Singh, Jason Behrendorff, Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar, Ben Cutting, Quinton de Kock, Ishan Kishan, Pankaj Jaswal, Siddhesh Lad, Evin Lewis, Mitchell McClenaghan, Lasith Malinga, Mayank Markande, Adam Milne, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Rasikh Salam, Anukul Roy, Yuvraj Singh, Barinder Singh, Aditya Tare, Jayant Yadav, Suryakumar Yadav

Strengths

Having included Quinton de Kock into the squad, Mumbai Indians bolstered their top order by substantial notches. With Even Lewis and Suryakumar Yadav already present, it allows Rohit Sharma to tinker with the team’s order.

They also possess IPL’s most successful bowler in Lasith Malinga. Although he may not be at his deadly best due to his age, the Sri Lankan offers a huge off-field asset to the side. The team also has Jason Behrendorff, Mitchell McClenaghan and the world-class Jasprit Bumrah. Their fast bowling, therefore, looks solid.

The Pandya brothers are a splendid duo, as well.

Weaknesses

The main problem for Mumbai Indians is Rohit Sharma’s batting position. He drifted from the top to number 4 last season, but only played a couple of decent innings. He needs to get going and pick his spot immediately.

Next, the likes of Kieron Pollard and Yuvraj Singh do not have age and form on their side, which makes the Mumbai middle-order look highly fragile.

Verdict

MI have the winning formula and a master tactician in Rohit Sharma. They will have to keep it tight in the death overs and fix their batting order in the first two matches itself. Otherwise, they are a star-studded side, more than capable of winning the trophy once again.

#6 Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals will be boosted with the return of Steve Smith

Squad: Steve Smith (c), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Shubham Ranjane, Ashton Turner, Ajinkya Rahane, Stuart Binny, Shreyas Gopal, Sudhesan Midhun, Jaydev Unadkat, Ish Sodhi, Prashant Chopra, Mahipal Lomror, Oshane Thomas, Aryaman Birla, Riyan Parag, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jofra Archer, Krishnappa Gowtham, Liam Livingstone, Varun Aaron, Jos Buttler, Shashank Singh, Manan Vohra, Rahul Tripathi

Strengths

The biggest positive for Rajasthan Royals is their middle order. Steve Smith, the wily Sanju Samson followed by Ben Stokes and Rahul Tripathi make the batting order look robust. Jos Buttler at the top of the order is a different proposition altogether as well.

Weaknesses

RR's bowling is a huge worry. Oshane Thomas and Jofra Archer lack experience, and it is still to be seen whether either of them will take the new ball. Dhawal Kulkarni has been under-fire of late too. Couple that with Jaydev Unadkat and Varun Aaron's economy rates, and you'd know they aren't the strongest bowling side.

Verdict

They do have fine foreign talent, along with entertainers such as Krishnappa Gowtham. The Jaipur-based team will have to play their hearts out and sort out the right bowling combinations in order to challenge for the top spots.

#7 Royal Challengers Bangalore

Can he add an IPL trophy to his kitty?

Squad: Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers, Parthiv Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kulwant Khejroliya, Washington Sundar, Pawan Negi, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Moeen Ali, Mohammed Siraj, Colin de Grandhomme, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Shivam Dube, Heinrich Klassen, Gurkeerat Singh, Himmat Singh, Prayas Ray Barman

Strengths

Strengths - AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. Enough said. Arguably two of the best players in this competition, Kohli and de Villiers are set to carry the run-scoring burden on their hefty shoulders once again.

Elsewhere, RCB have a strong foreign all-rounders' group, that includes the in-form Marcus Stoinis (will not be available for the first couple of games), Colin de Grandhomme and Moeen Ali.

With the inclusion of Nathan Coulter-Nile, RCB also addressed their death bowling woes.

Weaknesses

The biggest weakness in this otherwise celebrated side is stability. RCB have overly relied on their skipper and de Villiers over the years, which has forced the management to look for other options every time they have sat on the auction table.

This time around too, it remains to be unearthed if Shivam Dube and Shimron Hetmyer can strike gold in the middle overs.

Verdict

RCB have an equal share of positives and negatives, but most importantly, they will have to start well. It piles pressure on the senior men if the others in the team don't rise to the occasion.

Start to the season holds key for RCB, as they cannot always pull rabbits out of the hat during the business end of the season.

#8 Sunrisers Hyderabad

SRH are arguably are the league's most balanced side

Squad: Yusuf Pathan, Rashid Khan, Shakib Al Hasan, David Warner, Mohammad Nabi, Martin Guptill, Abhishek Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha, Basil Thampi, Billy Stanlake, Ricky Bhui, Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Hooda, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Natarajan, Sandeep Sharma, Kane Williamson, Shahbaz Nadeen, Jonny Bairstow, Manish Pandey, Vijay Shankar, Siddarth Kaul, Shreevats Goswami

Strengths

Sunrisers Hyderabad's biggest strength is their balance. Not a single player is usually tasked with a mammoth-sized job, which goes to portray how well-constructed they are. Each player has his own little role to play in the team or in a given situation.

And with David Warner set to return, this team can only look upwards. Kane Williamson is probably the most reliable batsman in the league, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar is highly dependable with the ball.

The inclusion of Jonny Bairstow, who just can't seem to find a way to get out, is another big addition.

Weaknesses

At the moment, it's hard to pick weaknesses in this squad. But, player availability remains a concern, as David Warner (Australia tour of UAE), Kane Williamson (back injury) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India's WC preparations) are three big names who may miss out at some point or the other.

Shakib Al Hasan's availability is a massive concern as well, as the all-rounder is beset with injury.

Verdict

SRH can very well go the distance this time around, it's just about holding their nerves in crunch situations. Either one of the top order batters will have to play long innings consistently, as the finishers haven't done a whole lot of work over a sustained period of time.