IPL 2015 team preview: Chennai Super Kings
Batting strength
| Batsman | Batting Runs Above Average (2014) | Overall batting rank |
|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 238 | 2 |
| SK Raina | 175 | 7 |
| DR Smith | 137 | 8 |
| BB McCullum | 83 | 12 |
| RA Jadeja | 10 | 38 |
| F du Plessis | 8 | 40 |
| MEK Hussey | -33 | 77 |
Bowling strength
| Bowler | Bowling Runs Above Average (2014) | Overall bowling rank |
|---|---|---|
| MM Sharma | 245 | 2 |
| RA Jadeja | 133 | 8 |
| A Nehra | 101 | 12 |
| R Ashwin | 48 | 22 |
| DR Smith | 26 | 29 |
| S Badree | -36 | 58 |
| IC Pandey | -136 | 75 |
Other notable players: MJ Henry
Chennai Super Kings have been a model of consistency in IPL, attested by the fact that they are the only team to reach the knock-out stage of the tournament in all the seasons. Their strategy has been to build a team around the core nucleus of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravichandran Ashwin, and they have been largely successful in that respect. The team has spent money smartly during the IPL auctions, by retaining most of their good performers and then filling up the gaps with players available during the auction. They were among the lowers spenders in this year's player auction, and their most notable acquisition in the auction was Mike Hussey who was a regular fixture in the team until only a couple of seasons ago.
The team's immense batting strength can be gauged by the fact that they have five batsmen on their roster who scored 300+ runs in the past season. As a result, the team should have no trouble in setting big targets or chasing them down. Their bowling isn't as strong as their batting - and this might be the only chink in their armor which the opposing teams will look to exploit. We certainly expect the team to easily reach the knock-out stage of the tournament, and with some luck they might be able to win yet another championship.
Roster management: The four slot for the overseas players will be filled up by Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Smith, Faf du Plessis and Mike Hussey. The team may give Badree a chance in some of the matches if they want to bolster their bowling attack.
Dark horse: Last season was the only one that Mike Hussey did not play with the Super Kings, but in the other seasons he has contributed substantially with the bat. He will be re-capture that same form in his home return to Chennai.
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