With a new squad and a focus on middle-over control and batting efficiency, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have built a team that plays to their traditional strengths. However, questions remain about their powerplay and death-over pace bowling. Here’s a look at how the squad is shaping up for the upcoming season.
CSK’s Strengths: Middle-Over Control and Batting Stability
Spin Trio to Dictate the Middle Overs
CSK’s middle-over spin attack is one of the best in the league, giving them an edge in restricting opposition scoring and taking key wickets.
- Best economy rate in the middle overs (7.8) since 2023
- R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, and Ravindra Jadeja have a combined strike rate of 20 and economy of 7.2
- Noor and Jadeja both average one wicket per game in this phase, ensuring consistent breakthroughs
With their ability to control the game between overs 7-15, CSK can dictate the tempo of matches even if the powerplay doesn’t go their way.
Batting Lineup Built for Efficiency
CSK’s batting core is designed to minimize dismissals and maximize scoring opportunities in crucial phases:
- Best batting average (53) in both powerplay and death overs
- Fewest dismissals (28) in these two phases
Rahul Tripathi’s middle-over reliability adds further stability:
- Averages 36.2
- Strikes at 130
- Dismissed only six times in 10 innings
This ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed gives CSK a strong batting foundation.
Death-Over Bowling: Nathan Ellis Holds the Key
Among their pace options, Nathan Ellis brings much-needed control in the death overs:
- 35% dot ball percentage
- Takes a wicket every 12 balls in this phase
While CSK lack multiple proven death-over pacers, Ellis’ ability to bowl tight lines and break partnerships late in the game makes him a crucial part of their bowling attack.
CSK’s Weaknesses: Powerplay and Death Over Concerns
Powerplay Wicket-Taking Struggles
CSK’s biggest concern is their powerplay bowling, as they have not retained their best early wicket-takers:
- Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande, who took 68% of CSK’s powerplay wickets, are no longer in the squad.
- Likely powerplay pacers—Anshul Khamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, and Sam Curran—have a bowling average of 39 and strike rate of 27 in this phase.
- CSK rank sixth in powerplay wickets taken, showing a lack of early breakthroughs.
Unless one of their new pacers steps up, opposition teams could capitalize on CSK’s struggles to take early wickets.
Death Over Over-Reliance on Pathirana
CSK’s biggest asset in the death overs, Matheesha Pathirana, has also seen a dip in form:
- Pathirana alone has taken 36% of CSK’s death-over wickets.
- Only CSK pacer with an economy under 9 in this phase.
- Since October 2024, his economy has risen to 9.31 (from 8.06) and his average has increased to 26.07 (from 18.18).
With no clear second option for death-over bowling, CSK could struggle to contain set batters in the final overs.
Trivia: CSK’s Standout Numbers Since 2023
- Best economy rate (8.7) and highest dot ball percentage (35.5%) in the league
- Best economy rate in the middle overs (7.8)
- Most dot balls bowled in the death overs (283)
- Best batting average (53) and fewest dismissals (28) in the powerplay and death overs combined
- Rank sixth in powerplay wickets taken (average 37, strike rate 25)
Final Thoughts: Can CSK Find Answers to Their Gaps?
CSK’s spin attack and batting stability make them a strong side, and their middle-over control remains elite. However, the uncertainty in their powerplay and death-over pace attack could be a major issue.
If they can find a reliable powerplay wicket-taker and a backup for Pathirana at the death, they will be a well-rounded team. If not, opposing teams might exploit their weaknesses at both ends of the innings.
Their season will likely depend on how well their new-look pace attack adapts.
