Chennai Super Kings - will they rule again?

The match against RCB was a crucial one for Chennai Super Kings. Chennai Super Kings overhauled the visitors by 5 wickets in a thrilling encounter. It was a much needed win for Chennai Super Kings and they gained some much needed confidence for the upcoming matches in this tournament. The match was in Royal Challengers’ hands till the 18th over, but giving the 19th over to Kohli had cost Royal Challengers the match as it produced 28 runs which changed the course of the match.

Right from the start nothing went right for Mahendra Singh Dhoni. After losing the toss, CSK’s bowlers were hammered by Chris Gayle and Agarwal as they put on 53 runs for the first wicket in just five overs. But when the batsmen started to play their strokes freely it appeared to be a good batting wicket and Chennai Super Kings were looking like the favourites as they have a strong-batting lineup.

Their bowling has improved especially in the depth overs. They scalped 7 wickets in the last four overs for 43 runs. Doug Bollinger was amongst the wickets as he scalped three wickets. Alteration in length, variation in pace made it difficult for Royal Challengers batsmen in the slog overs.

Despite a win against Royal Challengers, Chennai Super Kings’ ground fielding was poor. They gave away extra 15-20 runs which proved costly for the home side as they had to chase an excess of 200 runs in 20 overs which requires a flying start. Why I am saying this is the openers have not clicked so far (before RCB match) Murali Vijay is yet to impress with the bat. This was a bit of concern for the home side. But this time De u Plessis stared with the bat with a brilliant innings of 71 which helped the home side to inch towards the target. Plessis looked comfortable at the crease and took calculated risks to put pressure on the bowlers paid off. Until part-timers were introduced by Royal Challengers Chennai Super Kings were never up with the asking rate. Chennai Super Kings targeted Kohli in the 14th over and 19th over of the innings which was the turning point of the match.

The conclusion that can be drawn from this match is that Chennai Super Kings’ performance was fair and it was an improved show. Chennai Super Kings still have problem with Vijay who is yet to click with the bat this season. Dhoni’s captaincy was not proper, and Jadeja who starred with the ball against Deccan Chargers was allowed to bowl only two overs.

In the match against Deccan Chargers Doug Bollinger was the other excellent bowler apart from Jadeja who bowled exceptionally well with the new ball. He is the premium fast bowler for Chennai Super Kings and alterations in length in the depth overs make the batsmen struggle which is a unique feature of him. He has been the trump card for CSK. His effort against Kolkata with a spell of 4-1-15-2 helped restrict them to 139 in a crucial match, and the target was chased down by Chennai by nine wickets.

Bollinger was greatly responsible for bringing the turnaround in the team’s fortunes. Before his arrival they had won only three of their eight games.

But this season, Chennai Super Kings premium fast bowler Doug Bollinger was given only three overs. Doug Bollinger who has the ability to bowl well in slog overs was given only one over.

Chennai Super Kings can defend their title if Dhoni uses his resources perfectly. Chennai Super Kings batting has to revive itself if they want to be in the Play-offs.