IPL 2020: SWOT Analysis of Chennai Super Kings

CSK in IPL 2020: Opportunities

Ambati Rayudu has a lot riding on the 2020 IPL

#1 CSK have a host of players with a point to prove

This strength has perhaps been diminished by the recent retirements of MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina, but CSK still have a host of players who have a point to prove - both to their fans and to their critics - in IPL 2020.

Ambati Rayudu seems to be out of the reckoning for a spot in the Indian ODI team, and in the absence of Raina, the additional responsibility that he could take on might just persuade the selectors to give him another go.

Faf du Plessis' form for South Africa was under immense scrutiny before Quinton de Kock took over the captaincy reins for the white-ball teams, and the former Proteas captain will be keen on showing his country that he still has a lot left to give.

Harbhajan Singh recently spoke of his dreams of an international recall, and cited the example of former CSK pacer Ashish Nehra. This is, of course, subject to the availability of the off-spinner, who hasn't travelled to the UAE yet.

Even Murali Vijay, who has been perhaps India's best Test opener in the last decade, has been missing in action in the longest format of the game for quite some time now. Should he be given a go at the top of the order in the absence of Raina, he will be keen on giving a good account of himself.

A number of CSK players have the opportunity to revive their international careers with their performances in IPL 2020.

#2 Young players finally have the opportunity to shine for CSK

In recent years, CSK haven't really been focused on developing young talent by giving them a consistent run of games like they once did with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. The careers of the team's stalwarts are slowly winding down and the standard CSK strategy of retaining the core might not bear fruit anymore.

And in the 2020 IPL, CSK have the distinct opportunity to give young stars like Curran, Gaikwad, Sai Kishore and Jagadeesan the chances to make an impact at the IPL. These cricketers would not only inject energy and enthusiasm on the field but would also help the franchise build towards the future.