SWOT analysis of Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2024

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were one of the teams that fared well in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction held in Dubai on December 19. The defending champions spent a total of Rs 30.40 crore in the event, buying a total of 6 players including 3 foreigners and as many as Indians. They roped in two New Zealand all-rounders - Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell - who had a stellar outing in the recently concluded ODI World Cup. 

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Led by MS Dhoni, the Chennai-based franchise has won the cash-rich league five times. With the return of Shardul Thakur, the team has gained more strength than last season. In this article, let's look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of CSK.

CSK Final Squad for IPL 2024: 

MS Dhoni (c), Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Devon Conway, Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajay Mandal, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Mitchell Santner, Simarjeet Singh, Nishant Sindhu, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman, Avanish Rao Aravelly

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Here's a SWOT analysis of Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2024

Strengths

CSK have arguably the best-balanced side in the IPL 2024. Of course, their biggest strength is MS Dhoni, the mastermind behind the stumps. The likes of Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane and Daryl Mitchell form a strong batting lineup for them. Coming to the all-rounder department, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mitchell Santner, Shivam Dube and Moeen Ali are dangerous. The presence of Deepak Chahar, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Mustafizur Rahman, and Maheesh Theekshana will fire up their bowling unit. 

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Weaknesses

If anyone could point to one weakness for CSK, it would be the lack of a threatening pace bowling attack. Deepak Chahar and Matheesha Pathirana are quality bowlers but there is no lethality. Also, they lack reliable backup options. Although Tusshar Deshpande performed decently last year, he was inconsistent. Shardul Thakur has the knack of taking crucial wickets, but he is often too expensive.

Opportunities

IPL 2024 could be CSK talisman Dhoni's last season as a player. It would be amazing if he could lead the team to glory for the sixth time and draw the curtain on an illustrious career. Kiwi youngster Rachin Ravindra can stay with the franchise for a long time if he can continue his red-hot form in the World Cup. 

Threats

Although Dhoni the captain and wicketkeeper can overshadow Dhoni the batter, the 42-year-old can sometimes hurt the team if he fails to deliver from his bat when needed. Apart from that, the legendary cricketer is not 100 per cent fit as he still struggles a bit with his injured knee. It is not sure if Dhoni will be able to play all the matches and if he doesn't, it will have a big impact on the team's performance.