IPL 2022 | Will Chennai Super Kings be able retain the coveted title?

Chennai Super Kings is one of the finest franchises in the history of the Indian Premier League. Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, this IPL team is one of the most consistent teams when it comes to giving brilliant performances in the tournament. Any team, except for Mumbai Indians, would be envious of the glorious past that the Chennai-based franchise has enjoyed. Even after being banned for two seasons, CSK returned in 2018 and picked up exactly from where they had left off. MS Dhoni and his 'dad's army' managed to lift the trophy in the most fairytale manner.

Just before the start of the IPL 2021, CSK announced that MS Dhoni is handing over the captaincy of the team to Ravindra Jadeja which means the transition phase for the team has begun. Ravindra Jadeja will have a huge task at his hand as retaining the trophy this year might be one of the toughest challenges that the franchise has ever faced. The reason behind it being difficult is because of the mega-auction that took place. With the tournament becoming a ten team event it might get tricky for Chennai Super Kings. 

Chennai Super Kings Full Squad: MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Ambati Rayudu, Dwayne Bravo, Chris Jordan, Adam Milne, Mitchell Santner, Maheesh Theekshana, Shivam Dube, Devon Conway, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Subranshu Senapati, Prashant Solanki, Dwaine Pretorius, KM Asif, Tushar Deshpande, C Hari Nishanth, N Jagadeesan, Simarjeet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary, K Bhaghat Varma

New opening pair

Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 635 runs with an average of 45.35 and a strike rate of 136.26. If CSK wants to retain the title then Gaikwad will be the key to their success. Robin Uthappa at the top of the order could be a big gamble for the Chennai Super Kings. Uthappa has played 194 games in his IPL career so far and has 4,722 runs with an average of 27.94. However, he is way past his prime if you go according to records. The right-handed batter was at his best in 2014 and since then his average has only dropped. Ruturaj Gaikwad alongside Robin Uthappa could be a huge gamble for Chennai Super Kings.

Chennai Super Kings have managed to put together a really good middle-order for IPL 2022. With Suresh Raina not a part of the squad, it will be Moeen Ali who will most likely bat at number 3. The English cricketer at number three was very successful in last year's IPL as well.

He scored 357 runs with an average of 25.50 and a strike rate of 137.30 last season. Ambati Rayudu was bought back at the mega auction by the franchise in the mega-auction and has batted in the middle-order for them. Rayudu is most likely to fill the number four slot this year. The right-handed batter has been a crucial batter for his side and scored 257 runs with an average of 28.55 and a strike rate of 151.17 last year.

Chennai's most expensive player Ravindra Jadeja has been in top form and will be batting at number 5. He has been terrific since last year's IPL and has done well in international cricket as well. Jadeja has often played impactful knocks in both international cricket and IPL which is why his batting at number 5 will give CSK a lot of stability. The left-handed batter scored 227 runs from 16 games with a staggering average of 75.66 and a strike rate of 145.51 in IPL 2021.

MS Dhoni and Shivam Dube are two guys who could be seen swapping between numbers 6 and 7 according to the match situation. The former Indian captain is known for his ability to finish games and may opt to bat higher this year. The logic behind this could be that he is not playing any form of cricket other than the IPL which is why it may get a bit difficult for him if few balls are left in the innings. It would be much better if he can get himself in and then go after the opposition once he is set.

Shivam Dube being bought by CSK could reignite his IPL career. The left-handed all-rounder has a chance to leave an impact when he dons the Chennai Super Kings jersey. So far, Dube has featured in 24 games in the IPL and scored 399 runs with an average of 22.16 and a strike rate of 120.54. If he gets MS Dhoni's backing in the upcoming season, Shivam Dube could turn out to be a game-changer for his team.

Experienced bowling attack

English fast-bowler Chris Jordan will be hoping to deliver when he plays for the franchise. Jordan has not been able to impress in the IPL so far but this could be the season where he can change all that. With the league phase said to be played in Mumbai and Pune the pitches might suit Chris Jordan's bowling style. The right-arm pacer with his variations and international experience can do well this year. He has played 24 matches and taken 25 wickets with an economy rate of 9.12. Adam Milne could also start in the playing XI of the CSK team as they no longer have the experienced Josh Hazlewood in their side. The New Zealander is a right-arm fast bowler and has played 9 matches and picked up 7 wickets with an economy rate of 9.62. 

Chennai Super Kings Strongest possible XI: 

Chennai Super Kings might not have the biggest stars in their team but they do have the ability alongside experience to retain the IPL trophy. They thrive on consistency by giving confidence to their players which is what they might be looking to do once again.