When it comes to the IPL, just about everyone is an expert. They have opinions as to which players will do well, and even which team will go on to win the tournament. IPL 2024 is the same in this regard, but the only difference is, the bookmakers this year, aren’t very sure of Chennai Super Kings going the distance. While it is futile to get into the debate, as to why CSK isn’t the favorite of the bookmakers, bettors should be very careful about placing their bets on other teams. In fact, in all fairness, if CSK make it to the playoffs, they might be the front-runners to lift the trophy, for the sixth time in the history of the IPL.
But bookmakers give Rajasthan Royals the most chance of lifting the trophy. Second in line are the Kolkata Knight Riders, followed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad and CSK. That how, pretty much the points table looks like for now. While the odds may change with the coming matches, here’s why your money should be on MS Dhoni‘s CSK.
CSK – Been There, Done That
It is no surprise that Chennai Super Kings are one of the most consistent teams in the IPL. They have won the trophy five times, been in the finals 10 times, and missed making it to the playoffs only twice. They have won a massive 135 matches from 232 played, and enjoy a win% of 58, the most by any team. So once the playoffs start, they will be different beats altogether.
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The MS Dhoni Factor
Believe it or not, MS Dhoni is still their biggest strength. He might have relinquished the captaincy, but till the time he is around, he will the the leader of the team, and it shows as well. Plus, he has been great with the bat this year, having scored over 80 runs in 35-36 deliveries only, and is not out thus far. To add to that, the team will be eager to go the distance, as many believe, it could be his last season in the IPL. So there is added motivation for the team.
Look Closely, CSK Have Best Batters Against Spin
The way IPL 2024 points table looks currently, CSK might make it to the playoffs — they are fourth so far. Let’s assume they make it to the next round, then it will get mighty tough against them. The playoffs are scheduled in Ahmedabad and Chennai, and both the venues are conducive for spin bowling. So what happens if their opponents have a strong spin attack? Let’s say the Rajasthan Royals play them in the eliminator 1 at Ahmedabad.
They would face R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Keshav Maharaj, who could be difficult to tackle. But it is a no-brainer that they have one of the best batting attack against the slower bowlers. Ajinkya Rahane & Ruturaj Gaikwad can be lethal when they use the feet vs spinners, and can score quick runs. Daryl Michell, surprising is one of the better batters against spin, in the world. And then you have MS Dhoni, who is striking at 255 this IPL 2024. Meanwhile, in Chennai, where qualifier 2 and finals are to be played, their effectiveness would only grow.
Potent Spin-bowling Attack
CSK is not only blessed with a strong batting against spin, but they have decent spinners in their ranks too. In the seven matches, while Ravindra Jadeja has picked only four wickets, his economy has been only 7.84. Mitchell Santner, who is yet to play a match in IPL 2024, has an overall tournament economy of 6.88. Moeen Ali has given away runs at 7/over only, while his career economy is 6.95. Rachin Ravindra has bowled only two overs, but has given only seven runs in them. Then there is Maheesh Theekshana, who has been miserly too with an economy of 7.58.
Can CSK Win IPL 2024?
No can ever predict, what team will win the IPL 2024, but if one was to carefully analyse all these factors, CSK becomes the team to beat. Of course, their performance on the day would matter a lot, but seeing the history, and how their team has been performing collectively, they stand a better chance of lifting the IPL 2024 trophy.
