IPL 2019 prediction: Can Chennai Super Kings retain their title?

IPL 2019 prediction: Can Chennai Super Kings retain their title? The most consistent team in the Indian Premier League, Chennai Super Kings will be keenly watched in the 2019 IPL. The franchise has three IPL titles in their kitty and will be eager to add the fourth one.

It was a bit of surprise for analysts to see CSK wining IPL in 2018 as the franchise didn’t have many young players which is regarded as a must in T20 format.

However once again Dhoni’s Midas touch weaved its magic and now the question is can Dhoni replicate his heroics once again?

Chennai Super Kings: Strengths

A solid arsenal of overseas players is a key asset of CSK. There are the all-rounders Shane Watson and Dwayne Bravo, the effective bowlers Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Santner and Imran Tahir, and reliable batsman in the form of  Faf du Plessis, and Sam Billings.

This variety gives CSK the edge and can prove decisive factor in IPL 2019. At the same time, there is no dearth of experience in the team. Dhoni, Raina, Harbhajan, Jadeja and Rayudu are all seasoned campaigners in IPL and have experience of handling pressure situations.

Chennai Super Kings: Weakness

The age may not be a factor in batting or bowling, but it can become Achilles’ heel in the fielding department as the squad features players who may not be quick and agile like other teams.

The fielding may cost the team some 10 to 20 runs and this can be a fatal error during crunch matches.

Also apart from Bravo, the team lacks a genuine overseas power hitter who can deliver decisive blows in the death overs. Kedar Jadhav scores briskly but does he have the muscle to score big shots? On the other hand, Jadeja isn’t reliable which means a lot depends on Dhoni and the onus of playing big shots will be on him.

Chennai Super Kings IPL 2019 Prediction

CSK’s depth in the squad and the quality of players should keep them in the top four in the points table. And as they have the players who rise to the occasion, expect CSK to make a big impact in the 2019 IPL as well.