The CSK Disappointment of IPL 2020

 

There has been so many memes, videos  going around on the poor showing by the CSK team in the current IPL 2020 –  Many of the Memes are horrific and reflected poorly on MSD and his team . Yes , the team has not done well and will not make it to the playoffs  but to me , criticizing them so harshly is also unfair –

This is the 13^th edition of the IPL and barring the editions when the team was banned from playing , every season , CSK have given tons of entertainment with their brand of cricket , winning titles and have largely remained a strong force in this format – They excelled in this format , creating intensity and tension and then moments to celebrate ( Sometimes , it would be the last ball that will give you the joy ). The yellow army and Whistle Podu are such an integral part of many a CSK follower .  The surprise win in 2018 did build expectations – It was an aging team in 2018 itself but the title win made everyone quiet and not worry about long term interests and then they reached the finals in 2019 as well with the same team composition . And in 2020 , it is the same team  sans Raina and Bhajji –

 

What went wrong and what should have been done earlier  :

 

The venue shifting to UAE was a big factor – Unfamiliar and pitches not suiting CSK team ( nothing can be done about this ! )

Lockdown and quarantine  ( this applied to every team )

Fitness and intent – I think CSK lost out badly  in this category—While other teams excelled  , CSK was an Old boys club who were relying on their reputation to make it to the playoffs and not on their performance  on the day.

Investing in Young smart players – CSK never invested and groomed in young talent since the first edition – They were very picky and choosy and would love to play the same eleven for all the matches. They did pick fringe talented Youngsters in the team and these youngsters were more the “ Drinks and Towel” guys of the team

Relying on some of the players with repute but well past their good playing days to deliver was asking for too much over the years.

Overall nothing clicking be it batting , bowling or Fielding-- 

And finally MSD himself in terms of his contribution to the team as Captain and a batsman and Wicket keeper –  He just did not pull his weight in as expected. 

I have been very impressed  with MSD’s decision making -- on when to exit – He quit Test Cricket when he realized , he was not needed – And although it took time for him for the other formats (  One Day and T 20 internationals ) , the decision was coming and came at the right time . But I think he carried himself too far in to playing for CSK and that showed up in his performance this season. Do not get me wrong.. I just think the pressures of playing for CSK may have overtaken his desire to  retire from IPL . But he is  all class but probably missed the trick on this one. 

And MSD showed take responsibility for the lack of development of  young talent in  Team  CSK .  CSK as a team must be one of the  odd teams that never gave a chance to young fringe players with potential – Other teams have done this with aplomb and have discovered many a talent.

 All teams go through this phase of downturn – Rebuilding it in the right way to be competitive and playing to win is what matters.

It will be interesting to see how CSK rebuilds  😊

 

PS : Optimist CSK fans still have a model that makes it possible for CSK to go the play offs --  Even if CSK does qualify , my view remains as above