The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been the 2nd most successful team in the IPL. They have won 3 IPL titles (2010, 2011, and 2018) and qualified for playoffs 10 times in 11 seasons. It shows their pedigree as a team. CSK had an indifferent season in IPL 2020. They finished 7th in the points table.
It was the first time they failed to qualify for the playoffs in 11 seasons of their appearance. They picked up players like Moeen Ali and Krishnappa Gowtham in IPL to bolster their squad. The fact that this IPL will be played in India further helps CSK’s clause. It will be difficult to stop the CSK juggernaut once it starts rolling. But there are 3 teams can challenge CSK who are wary of this fact and will be looking to stop CSK in their tracks.
We at StumpsandBails believe these 3 teams can challenge CSK in IPL 2021.
#1 Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians have a wood over CSK. They have trumped them on major knockout matches in recent years. In IPL 2019, they had a 4-0 record over CSK. To add to this, MI have now become an all condition forces. They won IPL 2020 unchallenged. Their squad wears a solid look. MI’s batting might is second to none in the competition. Their game plan of attacking every ball has set a new template for T20 teams worldwide. It will be tough for CSK to overcome MI’s challenge in the IPL. CSK will need a game-breaking performance from one of its stars to boss the game against MI.
#2 Royal Challengers Bangalore
The Royal Challengers Bangalore don’t have a superior record against CSK. But they often come out with all guns blazing against them. This season RCB has the pedigree in its squad. The addition of Glenn Maxwell and Kyle Jamieson adds oomph to RCB. Maxwell has a particularly good record against CSK. RCB will be banking on Maxwell’s magic to prevail over CSK. Jamieson’s length will also be a case of concern for CSK. They have often come short while facing quality pace bowling. And this is where RCB can score over CSK this time around.
#3 Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals beat CSK in IPL 2008 finals to emerge inaugural champions. These two teams share history right since that moment. The RR management acquired Chris Morris to provide support to Jofra Archer in the pace department. We have already seen what Archer can do with the new ball in the previous season of IPL as well as in the series against India. The Morris-Archer combination is surely one of the most anticipated partnerships of IPL 2021. The duo along with Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, and Jos Buttler will be a major threat for CSK.
