IPL 6: Match 16 - CSK vs RCB: Chennai Super Kings Preview

After a mixed start to their campaign this year, things are looking up for the Men in Yellow, especially after they won their previous match against the Kings XI Punjab comprehensively. Termed as the most consistent team in the tournament, Chennai have lots to prove, especially since they boast of a well balanced side which comprises of some top class players of this format.

Knowing Dhoni, he would not be too keen on making too many changes to his winning combination, but one can certainly expect Albie Morkel on the field if he is match fit. Other than that, things are pretty set for them as they have backed the local players to come good season after season, to which the players have adapted and obliged extremely well.

The Pitch and Conditions:

Chennai is traditionally known for its slow wickets that could be a paradise for the spinners. The pitch is generally dry and the team batting first have the added advantage. The previous match that was played here witnessed carnage from two of the biggest hitters in world cricket. The pitch had something for the bowlers but Dhoni and Pollard demonstrated that, with the right amount of application, the bowlers can be manipulated to their whims.

The Key Players:

Suresh Raina: The lad from Uttar Pradesh is well known in this format and his record in the IPL is among the best. Apart from his batting, his fielding has been a boon for Chennai who are blessed with one of the best fielding units in the competition. Being the highest run getter in the history of IPL, Raina bears additional responsibility to carry the batting on his shoulders in the time of crisis.

Michael Hussey: The Australian southpaw is on a purple patch and his availability has boosted the Chennai batting, especially after an untimely injury to Faf Du Plessis. Hussey has already announced his arrival with a half-century in the previous game which saw the team through to a victory. His presence at the top would be crucial to Chennai’s chances in the upcoming games.

R. Ashwin: The wily off spinner from Chennai had an excellent season, especially in the just concluded Test series against Australia. His experience of playing in Chennai would come in handy while facing up to the trio of Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers. Ashwin has had success while bowling against Gayle and it wouldn’t be surprising if Ashwin is handed the ball for the first over.

MS Dhoni: The skipper would be crucial to Chennai, especially since his blitzkrieg against Mumbai took Chennai painstakingly close to victory. His performance as skipper, batsman and wicket keeper would have a huge impact on the outcome of the match and a good day at the office for him would mean a good day for Chennai.

The Weak Links:

Subramaniam Badrinath: He has been a vital cog for CSK since the inception of IPL, but his batting form has been poor of late. He has been persisted with for the kind of stability he brings to the table and his presence in the middle order would lend variety to the batting order.

Ankit Rajpoot: The 19-year-old from Uttar Pradesh was clinical in the first match, having had a dream debut by virtue of dismissing Ponting for his maiden wicket. But since that over, he has merely been a passenger in the talent filled Chennai side. His place in the side is under the scanner and it would only be a matter of time before he is dropped. If he gets a chance today, he should grab it with both his hands and make it count.

Possible Eleven:

Michael Hussey, Murali Vijay, Suresh Raina, Subramaniam Badrinath, MS Dhoni (C&Wk), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Chris Morris/ Albie Morkel, Ankit Rajpoot, Dirk Nannes.

The inclusion of Morkel would mean that Chris Morris would have to go back to the bench. Morkel would be raring to go for his favourite team, of which he has been an integral part since 2008. The Royal Challengers Bangalore are a tough side and their recent emphatic wins over Hyderabad and Kolkata would have boosted their morale. Chennai should be wary of them, especially Gayle and Kohli who have set the batting charts on fire.