The Chennai Super Kings appeared to be nearing their demise two years prior. There had been a general batting timidity throughout the season, MS Dhoni’s batting prowess had diminished, and an effort at a disastrous succession plan was made and abandoned in the span of eight games. It would be some years before the massive auction occurred for CSK to consider making any preparations for a complete overhaul. But all it took to turn the turnaround that looked almost unachievable in May 2022 was some fruitful off-season reflection.
“We examine the reasons behind our poor performance and take appropriate action. Thus, having very strong aim was one of the modifications, according to Stephen Fleming.
“I believe Devon and Ruturaj shared that kind of duty the previous year. Even yet, there’s still a lot of danger involved in playing that favorably. We advanced through the tournament in large part because of the amount of runs that each of them scored the previous year.”
With Gaikwad and Conway at the top, the dedication to this shift—to bat with freedom—came down naturally as CSK executed their recruitment plan flawlessly. Shivam Dube destroyed spin, Ajinkya Rahane counterattacked, and their phase-wise strike rates increased significantly.
Conway’s season-long absence until May forced CSK to find a third opening pair in Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra to maintain the high standard of intent. The all-rounder from New Zealand came in and played his position at the top of the order brilliantly, dismissing the RCB’s PowerPlay bowlers to score 31 off 13 in that time. He was out of the game by the time he fell in the seventh over, so Mitchell and Rahane could pick up the slack. It was immediately evident that the off-season preparation had been done to retain their hitting concepts. Not a single batter reached the fifty mark in either of the 2023 and 2024 finals, but CSK nevertheless managed to complete two chases of 170. With the exception of MS Dhoni, every batter in the championship struck at least one six and scored at a strike rate of more than 150.
Speaking of the 2024 opening, Fleming remarked, “I really liked the intent of the batters.” “With the extra player, we have a longer batting lineup, and I thought our batters shown excellent purpose. It’s beneficial to have everyone participate even if you don’t always receive a high score. If one person scores a 75 or above, the game becomes easier. Although it’s the goal, it doesn’t always work out. Although we are unsure of who’s day it is tomorrow, the guys are preparing themselves well and their attitude is really motivating.”
All clubs’ scoring rates have increased as a result of the impact substitute rule, which was implemented last season, but CSK has successfully incorporated it into their batting strategy.
“[Having an impact player] undoubtedly helps. However, in our opinion, the intent is more important,” Fleming stated.
CSK moved up to second place last season with a strike rate of 148.65 after finishing eighth in 2022 with a strike rate of 131.05, notably hitting 30 more sixes. When given the freedom to take chances, CSK players reacted favorably, winning him the fifth IPL title. Fortunately for Fleming, the pursuit of a record sixth in 2024 has gotten off to a strong start.
