Oh My God, Chennai Super Kings, which was the standard of consistency in IPL is now sitting at the bottom of the table, given only 2 wins in 9 opportunities is just confusing for the fanbase, let alone the team itself. Let’s look at each problem CSK has faced this year along with ways to fix it (if there is any).
Powerplay
CSK’s powerplay has been the lackluster, least shocking (or most shocking?) performance of them all. Their powerplay run rate (in the first 6 overs) is the lowest in the IPL (< 8), which leaves everything on the middle and lower order and puts them under pressure, and causes to collapses.
Solution:
Either need to change the opening pair or re-evaluation it. Ruturaj is injured at this point and now we need to find an opening pair which is able to and can provide aggressive starts. I would consider maybe promoting a guy from the middle order who has a higher strike rate to open and then hopefully this may give him some confidence in the early phase of the innings.
Middle Order
The middle order which has typically been a strength for CSK has been inconsistent. Some players such as Deepak Hooda and Vijay Kumar Shankar have not played to their potential and have left the CSK in a position where they collapsed at crucial points in the game.
Solution:
We need to bring in new and young players. I think that if we bring in young and fresh talent we will get some energy and desire in them and this may be the way it balances the middle overs. In addition, we may have to re-evaluate the order of batsmen in the middle order so that the more experienced players bat in the partnership longer (to stabilize it).
Uncertain Leadership
When Rutura Gaikwad got injured, MS Dhoni came back to captain the side. Even though MS Dhoni has an extraordinary leadership aura and is a legend remain assumption at this point until he has decided when and if he will return. However, maybe changing leaders part-way through the season may have affected team chemistry. In addition, decision around strategy during games has been doubted, especially at the team selection stage.
Solution:
Having great structure when Dhoni is captain is great, but appointing a couple others in the team who are experienced enough to take care of the leadership will distribute any concerns they had about getting someone experienced enough versus youthful enough. Also mantra of continuing consistency with SELECTION – communicate more consistent roles in the team, and this also integrates some of the above solutions of using some of the youngsters while also building confidence in the other folks I mention.
Declined Homeground Advantage
Chepauk used to be a real fortress for CSK in the past and games even until a few years were all in your favour every time you played there. Their losses pave way that shows that CSK cannot adapt to conditions that aren’t what they have received in more recent years, even while not simplifying the pitch due to the height of what exactly CSK is – Banter/banter.
Solution:
Finding ways to adapt the game to the pitch. This means that CSK may have to change their playing XI in the hopes that a bowler(s) can stand-up impact to the pitch, or alternating batting orders to make it more favorable to surface in general. Also considers consistently just assessing the pitch several times to check for patterns and continually changing their game plan.
Inefficient Fielding and Catching
Fielding is an attribute that often goes unnoticed, CSK has had significant issues with it this year. Fielding reports have shown that they have the lowest catching efficiency in the IPL statistically, which has turned any potential game-changing moment into at least 2 missed opportunities.
Moving Forward
The current circumstances are tough, but they are not impossible to fix. CSK have shown their ability to recover from difficult situations before and there are changes they can make to have a successful season. We need to look at these challenges straight down the line, make the necessary decisions to fix them, and have full faith in the determination and depth of the squad.
What do you think, can CSK turn their season around with these changes, or is it time to start thinking about next season? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments!
