IPL 2020: Sunrisers have edge over struggling CSK

Mumbai - Neither the batting nor the bowling has performed to the expectations for CSK

Chennai Super Kings are struggling, of that there is no doubt. In fact, I'll get a step further to say they are in the doldrums, languishing second from bottom, and showing neither spark nor the skills that have made them thrice champions, and last year's runners up.

As Dhoni said after losing the previous match against RCB, that if one hole was plugged, another one opened up. This meant no progress was being made and explains why CSK have won only two matches from seven played.

Dhoni has talked of some changes in the team. That Imran Tahir, last season's purple cap winner, hasn't got a game as yet seems quirky. But who from the overseas players can he replace without upsetting the balance of the side?

Neither the batting nor the bowling has performed to the expectations. The failure has been in both these departments, as well as fielding. In this despondent situation, where does CSK seek inspiration from?

The answer might lie in the team's otherwise brilliant history. In 2010, which MS Dhoni and some other players who've been associated with the franchise for that long will recall, the team was similarly placed at this stage of the tournament as today.

All seemed lost then, as it does today. But under Dhoni's tactful leadership, CSK rose like a phoenix to win the title! A deep dive into that year's performances might just rev up the motivation of the players.

The big difference between 2010 and now, of course, is that the current CSK team is long in the tooth. While there is enormous depth of experience in the side, there has been - so far - a palpable shortage of energy.

In this respect, Sunrisers Hyderabad, CSK's opponents tonight, are better off. The average age of the side is much lower, which means young legs and lungs, always an advantage and particularly in the desert.

What's more, youngsters like Khaleel Ahmed, Thangarusu Natarajan, Priyam Garg and Abhishek Sharma are supplementing the efforts of overseas stars David Warner, Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson and Rashid Khan quite splendidly.

What could work against SRH is Sunday's setback against Rajasthan Royals. The match seemed in their pocket, till they were upstaged by hard-hitting Rahul Tewatia and young gun Riyan Parag.
Such a defeat can leave a side traumatised and vulnerable. Dhoni will be looking for signs suggesting this which he can exploit to his team's advantage.
Ayaz Memon is an Indian sports writer and commentator

• IPL 2019