Former champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a horrific season, as a string of loses, along with poor performances, cost them their spot in the playoffs of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Consequently, they also became the first team to be knocked out of contention for the playoffs.
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Furthermore, CSK, who had won three titles to date, all under the leadership of MS Dhoni, failed to make it to the playoffs for the first time in IPL's history. They have managed to finish as low as seventh this season.
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The season is over for them, as they are contemplating an overhaul for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, we analyse their performance in every department for the season, as to where they went wrong.
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Batsmen: The batting department already had a void this season, as veteran Suresh Raina pulled out due to personal reasons. Moreover, they did not sign a replacement for him. Consequently, the pressure came upon other batsmen. Although Faf du Plessis did well, finishing as the highest run-scorer for the side, followed by Ambati Rayudu, the others were highly inconsistent, including the likes of Kedar Jadhav and Murali Vijay. Meanwhile, Rituraj Gaikwad was the late bloomer, scoring 204 runs in six innings, at the best average in the team, of 51.00.Top performers: Du Plessis, Rayudu, Shane Watson and Gaikwad.
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All-rounders: The all-rounders did try to step up, but could not do much. Ravindra Jadeja was the lone star in the department, scoring the most runs. Dwayne Bravo did well too. However, his injury mid-way through derailed CSK's progress and bid for the playoffs. Nonetheless, Sam Curran was highly effective with the ball, claiming the most wickets for the side (13) in 13 innings, at an economy of 8.19. Meanwhile, Mitchell Santner failed to impress in the two games that he played.Top performers: Jadeja, Curran and Bravo.
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Wicketkeepers: The only man in this department was their skipper, Dhoni. Although he did fire with the bat during the initial phase of the tournament, he faded out, as it progressed. In 12 innings, he could manage just 200 runs at an average of 25.00, while he was unsure of where to bat. However, he did impress behind the stumps, inflicting 16 dismissals, the second-most in the tournament so far, besides claiming the most catches in the department (15). Overall, we would rate him 610.
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Spinners: This department too had a void, as veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh opted out due to personal reasons, while no replacement was roped in again. Consequently, the pressure came upon Karn Sharma and Piyush Chawla, who failed to rise to the occasion. Besides, prominent leggie Imran Tahir was not given more than three games, as he did not fit in as per the conditions and team tactics, while uncapped R Sai Kishore was never given a game. Nonetheless, Jadeja consolidated it with his spin, as an all-rounder, but not entirely.Top performers: None.
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Pacers: It was undoubtedly the pacers, who rose to the occasion. Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur were the ones who finished as the second and third-most wicket-takers for the side, respectively. Lungi Ngidi finished fourth as well. The only flop in the department was Josh Hazlewood, who could claim just a wicket in three matches. We are confident that he would be shown the door next season. Overall, it was the most efficient department of all for the entire side this season.Top performers: Chahar, Thakur and Ngidi.
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Fielders: As for their fielding, it was wobbly as well, with some of the players dropping catches, besides leaking runs. Nonetheless, it was once again de Plessis, who fared well in the department, having the safest hands and claiming the most catches (12). However, fielding coach Rajiv Kumar will have a task at hand, preparing them for next season.Top performers: Du Plessis, Curran and Jadeja.
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What could they have done better?Batting: Allowing Gaikwad to play more matches could have given more stability to the batting line-up. Also, Dhoni swapping the role of the finisher with Jadeja would have given strength to the middle-order.Spinners: Tahir should have undoubtedly given more game time. Although conditions did not entirely suit his abilities, his knack of churning out wickets on any given track makes him a must-have in the playing XI, as CSK made a big blunder of making him sit out.
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