IPL 2024 is now done and dusted with a new winner in the form of the Kolkata Knight Riders. In a rather drab final, where the result was almost a foregone conclusion around the halfway mark of the game the team from West Bengal sealed the deal. So what are the takeaways for last year’s champions the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Who won a nail-biting final but this time around failed to make it to the playoffs?
This is a rarity for a side that has made the playoffs 12 out of the 15 times it has competed in the competition, with 10 finals to boot. Thus questions will be asked on what went wrong for the powerhouse from the South of India. What set of factors worked against CSK’s bid for the playoffs and possibly beyond?
CSK – A Wobbly Top Order
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Problems for CSK started at the very top. The loss of the stalwart opener from New Zealand, Devon Conway, was a big blow to the team. During the victorious 2023 season, the opener pilled on 924 runs in 23 matches, with an astounding T20 average of 48.63. Thus losing a player of this caliber, one who had formed a solid partnership with opener Ruturaj Gaikwad was bound to be a great miss.
Making matters worse, his walk-in replacement, the new signing also from New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra proved to be something of a disappointment. Despite an interesting start, his form fell away at the start of the season and was eventually dropped. Despite a solid performance in the last group for CSK against RCB in the crunch virtual qualifier, his overall contributions were found wanting.
This meant a lot more responsibility fell on the shoulders of opener and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad who had a prolific series. However, in cricket, a good batting stand requires two in-form players. This was not to be.
No Big Overs for Chennai Super Kings
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Added to the mix starts CSK were suffering from this season, another problem that hurdled the team, pretty much throughout the season was the lack of big overs. The lack of big overs: where 20 or more runs are scored especially hurt CSK when they were setting targets. A problem that can be attributed to several factors.
From the over-reliance on Shivam Dube to provide the big shots whenever he is at the crease, to the somewhat mixed outings for Darren Mitchell, who could never really stomp his presence on the tournament. That comical moment when he was sent by MS Dhoni in the game against Punjab Kings in the death over is notable.
The big-hitting that was expected from the big New Zealander was not forthcoming. A subject that came to a turn in the crunch game against RCB when both players: Darren Mitchell and Shivam Dube both failed with the bat.
Also Read: New York Increases Safety Measures for India-Pakistan T20 match
CSK – Not the Best All-Round Team of IPL 2024
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A lot can be said about the teams that made it to the playoffs, the finals, and the champions. One thing that stands out is that the best four teams in terms of performance made it. The best team of IPL 2024, KKR, who also topped the points table went on to win. CSK, simply was not that team this year. The mistakes made this time around must be corrected and the team from Tamil Nadu must emerge as a more potent force for the next edition.
About the Author
Damian Thar writes on a range of topics. In addition to his professional work, he writes essays on subjects like philosophy, history, and culture. He also writes and edits books and in his free time, he makes YouTube videos on topics like religion, theology, and current events. You can find his work here.
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