IPL 6: Match 19 - CSK vs PWI - Chennai Super Kings Preview

CSK have made a name for themselves for snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Whether its Dhoni sending Irfan’s deliveries into the stratosphere above Dharamshala in 2010, Albie Morkel’s brutal onslaught against Kohli in 2012 or the latest heist in the last over against RCB just a couple of days ago, CSK have given a new lease of life to the phrase – ‘it ain’t over till the fat lady sings’. Common sense will tell you not to keep it pending till the last over, but as is the case with Dhoni’s numerous captaincy decisions, he pays little heed to what is acceptable as good logic. The important point is that this strategy is works well for CSK because of their middle-order batting strength mixed with a little luck, and their fans wouldn’t complain as long as it works for them. However, against a more feeble opposition like the PWI, one would expect them to finish the match early.

The opening pair, along with Raina, is the weakest link in their batting. Hussey and Vijay did show glimpses of their form in the match against KXIP, but CSK would expect more consistent performances from this experienced pair. Along with the low scores, their sub-par strike rates result in slow starts and additional pressure on the rest of the line-up. The highest overall run-scorer in IPL, Suresh Raina, has also been quiet by his standards and will want to improve his performance.

Their middle-order is one of the strongest in the tournament. Badrinath is a solid player who can anchor the innings while Dhoni and Bravo can provide the fire-power towards the end. Despite being at the centre of a viral joke campaign from ‘fans’ and team-mates alike, Jadeja has displayed the skill to rotate the strike as well as play the big shots depending on the situation.

They have a settled bowling line-up. Nannes and Morris have provided good starts while bowling at lively pace and extracting bounce from the wicket. Bravo is always handy with his subtle variations in pace. Ashwin has added to the portfolio of his variations with his leg-spinner and googly. While it’s a good thing in itself, its success will depend how well can he control them. CSK, however, needs to tighten their line and length in the death overs and they have the bowlers who are capable of doing it.

Players to watch out for

Suresh Raina - He has evolved into the linchpin of CSK batting. He hasn’t made the headlines thus far which can only mean that he will play that match-winning knock sooner that later.

MS Dhoni – Captain Cool is their most trusted player along with Raina and he showed why he is deserving of it in the two innings that he has played this year. Whether it’s setting up a target or chasing one down, Dhoni has always risen to the occasion. Even when CSK is bowling, you can always trust Dhoni to hold your interest by going against conventional wisdom.

Dwayne Bravo – A live-wire on the field, an intelligent bowler, an explosive batsman and above all – a true Caribbean entertainer. He has caught the audiences’ eye as much for his cricketing performances as for his reggae moves upon claiming a wicket or pouching a catch.

X-Factor

Ravindra Jadeja – This man cannot be left out of any conversation and can wreck havoc both with bat and ball on his day.

Possible XI

Hussey, Vijay, Raina, Badrinath, Dhoni, Bravo, Jadeja, Ashwin, Morris, Nannes, Jakati/MM Sharma