IPL 2018: Three reasons why CSK will be a tough nut to crack

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The two-time IPL champions are back in the fold after serving a two-year ban. The Chennai Super Kings, under MS Dhoni, have decided to go for a lot of experience and players who have been a part of winning sides before.

Interestingly, after the IPL player auctions in January, many fans and critics took to social media to mock CSK as “Chennai Senior Kings” considering the age of most players picked for the upcoming season.

However, in all honesty, the think tank has managed to put together a side that can go all the way to claim the IPL title for the third time. Here are three reasons:

Strong outfit for home conditions

Traditionally, the 22 yards at Chepauk have always been on the slower and drier side and hence suit spinners and change of pace from the seamers. This was evident from CSK coach Stephen Fleming, bowling coach L Balaji and the other members of the think-tank's decision to strengthen the spin department in order to have various options.

The likes of Harbhajan Singh, Karn Sharma and Imran Tahir were included in the squad. Moreover, Kedar Jadhav, with his off-spin, has been a wicket-taker for Team India.

Not only did they go for spin bowling options but if you look at the batsmen picked by CSK this season, they are all good players of spin as well. The likes of Murali Vijay, Kedar Jadhav and Ambati Rayudu have the ability to hit the spinners a long way. If you add Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni to the lost, this becomes a strong unit in home conditions where they will be playing 7 out of 14 games.

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