IPL 2020: SWOT Analysis of Chennai Super Kings

CSK in IPL 2020: Threats

Deepak Chahar recently said that he is recovering well after testing positive for COVID-19

#1 CSK face a distinct injury threat in IPL 2020

One of the benefits of the long pandemic-enforced break for CSK is that is has ensured that players start on even footing, given that they've not hit the nets in several months. However, this is clearly outweighed by the injury threat that looms dangerously over those in the squad who are getting on in age.

We have already seen Kedar Jadhav miss an entire season due to a hamstring injury, and we have also seen Dwayne Bravo take it a bit easier than he usually would in the field as a precautionary measure. Shane Watson doesn't bowl anymore for the same reason.

Add to this the fact that they are resuming practice later than anyone else, and you get a team that is at high risk of injuries. While there is immense potential on the bench, these players haven't proven themselves at the IPL level yet.

#2 CSK's morale might have been affected by recent events

With the sudden departure of Raina and the positive tests of over 10 members of the support staff, CSK's morale might not be very high at the moment. The team has been widely criticised by all corners of the cricketing fraternity for deciding to conduct a pre-season camp at Chepauk, which is believed to be the cause of the infection.

The Men in Yellow are still in quarantine and are separated from their families, and the toll that this could take on them cannot be quantified. While this is something that will slip under the radar of many fans while watching their heroes on TV, it is important to understand how difficult the constant COVID-19 tests and isolation is for the players.

CSK might not be directly and visibly impacted by this, but at some level, this is sure to cause a tinge of worry among fans of the team.

#3 Lack of match practice could haunt CSK in IPL 2020

This is a threat and not a weakness, since almost all teams have had little match practice.

But it is important to note that CSK's star players are coming into this tournament directly after months of hiatus, while many marquee players from other franchises are coming into IPL 2020 after playing either the Caribbean Premier League or other bilateral international series.

For CSK, only Dwayne Bravo (CPL), as well as Sam Curran and Josh Hazlewood (if they play in the ENG vs AUS series), will come into IPL 2020 having played top-quality cricket. The IPL Governing Council is considering hosting warm-up matches for all teams, though, and CSK might just manage.