Chennai Super Kings can Win IPL 5

Chennai Super Kings have qualified for the play offs after Royal Challengers were beaten by Deccan Chargers to leave Kohli’s men level on points with CSK but below Dhoni’s men on NRR.

Now that CSk are through to the play offs, they must be considered as serious contenders to retain their crown. They will play Mumbai Indians in the eliminator round and if they win that they will have to beat the losers of the game between DD and KKR in order to qualify for the final.

MI would have preferred to play RCB in the eliminator as the Bangalore team is heavily reliant on just one or two men such as Gayle and de Villiers. By contrast, CSK have several match winners and both their batting and bowling have begun to peak at the right time.

Hussey has been among the runs and Vijay’s return to the side has also been accompanied by runs. Raina has not been as consistent as in previous years but has had a couple of good knocks. Bravo has proved himself to be the most reliable member of the team with bat and ball alike. Morkel has excelled in bowling and Hilfenhaus has compensated for Bollinger’s lack of form. Ashwin has not taken many wickets but has been frugal, while Jakati has given a good account of himself whenever included.

Arguably the most disappointing player has been Jadeja apart from skipper Dhoni himself. But both these players are long overdue for explosive innings and those could come in the play offs – an ominous thought that their rivals could lose sleep over.

A few days back, CSK had almost been written off as they awaited the results of other teams’ matches to see whether they would qualify for the knock out round. Now that they have, the other three, DD, KKR and MI had better beware.

Tags: Chennai Super Kings, CSK, Deccan Chargers, Dhoni, Gayle, India, IPL, KKR, Mumbai Indians, RCB, Result

Category: Cricket, IPL News