IPL 2021 Chennai Super Kings, Team Profile: CSK aims to achieve Dominance

The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), held in the United Arab Emirates in 2020, changed the fortunes for one of the most favorable sides of the Chennai Super Kings in the history of the event. The Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led contingent has never really recovered from a poor start, unavailability of players, a fear of viruses and a collective failure for foreign conditions. However, the depth and quality of leadership in the CSK squad cannot be underestimated for long and with the return of the rejuvenated Dhoni in its ranks, the franchise will aim to regain its authority and script this season .

New Stars:

The IPL 2021 auction saw the role of CSK in the likes of Krishnappa Gautam, Moin Ali, Cheteshwar Pujara, Harishankar Reddy, Bhagat Verma and C Hari Nishant. All-rounders, Gautham and Moin, in particular, have made salient features of CSK’s bidding process. The Indian Test team overtook Pujara, but the CSK team shocked him.

Older stalwarts:

Popularly known as ‘Chinna Thala’ in the midst of his Chennai fan base, Suresh Raina will return after the sudden end of his IPL 2020 due to personal reasons. CSK also traded Robin Uthappa, who may well respond to the franchise’s initial issues following the retirement of Shane Watson after IPL 2020.

Possibilities:

England international player Sam Curran surprised everyone with his tough batting performance to go along with his impressive four overs at the beginning and end of an innings. CSK may not have finished the tournament with fond memories, but Ruturaj Gaikwad gave the franchise many reasons to start his new innings by hitting three goals on the trophy at the end of the tournament.

Last season’s journey:

Promoted

CSK finished seventh with 12 points in their bags after 14 matches, their worst IPL season as they failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since the start of the tournament.

With the IPL returning to India, CSK could start from where they left in IPL 2019 and perhaps a step ahead, in their bid to secure a fourth IPL title.