CSK's Struggles Continue

Just four games into the season, all seven overseas players from the Chennai Super Kings camp have played at least one game. Overall, 17 players have already been used at this stage, which is the most by any team this season.

The team's struggles have already forced them to keep ringing in the changes. Deepak Hooda was left out after games against Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, while Rahul Tripathi received one extra outing. However, both batters have looked listless so far and a quick recall to the XI looks quite unlikely for the duo.

The overseas combinations are being tinkered with, with Matheesha Pathirana and Noor Ahmad being nailed on starters, and Rachin Ravindra's early impression helping his cause. However, the fourth choice is proving to be a challenge.

Sam Curran came into the tournament on the back of some good form in the ILT20 but hasn't been able to replicate it. Jamie Overton was expensive in his lone outing, and with their batters struggling, CSK opted to bring back Devon Conway into the XI.

The focus has been on the batting lineup, but their performances with the ball need to be looked at as well. Despite their displeasure with the surfaces at Chepauk, CSK have largely played on slowish surfaces in all three home games so far. However, they allowed RCB to post almost 200 and on Saturday, Delhi Capitals made 183.

CSK have allowed their opponents to get away with big scores, forcing a rethink with their bowling plans. Their spin trio combined to deliver only eight overs in a day game at home, and their latest combination has now forced their batting lineup to look similar to one teams had in the pre Impact Sub era.

This strategy of having Conway, Ravindra and Gaikwad would essentially mean that CSK need one of those three to bat around 15 overs every game to put up a good batting performance. Against DC, all three were back in the pavilion before the end of the powerplay. This has to change quickly.

Stephen Fleming, the coach, pointed out that the team needs one or two players in form, predominantly the top three or four, to score runs. The coach said, "We need a bit more production there, and that then allows the more power hitters or the players to finish up to come in at the right spots."

In a season where there were wide expectations of CSK dominating at least at home given the makeup of the attack, they have already let RCB and DC end their hoodoo at Chepauk. With just four more games left at their den, it's imperative that CSK end up on the right side of the result if they are to stay in contention for a playoff spot at the business end of the tournament.