IPL 7[2014] - CSK vs KXIP - Page 10

It is not often that Chennai Super Kings can be called underdogs but given the line-up in the opposition, Chennai will have an uphill task in the season-opener at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. With a line-up that boasts of Virender Sehwag, George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, David Miller and Mitchell Johnson, all match winners in their own capacity, Kings XI Punjab have a team that is capable of going the distance in IPL 7. The question is, can they?

Arguably the franchise that had the best yield in the auction, Kings XI Punjab look awesome on paper. Sehwag is ever dangerous, Maxwell is an exciting T20 talent, Miller was a revelation last year, Bailey can explode at any time and Johnson's firepower is irresistible. Although they have not been given too many odds, they sure are the team to beat in the tournament.

A new captain and new coach, the Mohali side may have been under achievers over the years but this year they have the men, resources and the backing of the an altogether new management. A lot of credit should go to coach Sanjay Bangar but his real contribution will be known only after the tournament is over.

Chennai, on the other hand, are strong as a rock with MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin and Dwayne Bravo (the players who were retained) in their ranks. The recruitment of Dwayne Smith adds muscle to the batting and the presence of Faf du Plessis provides them the depth required in batting.

But the problem before the former champions is in the department of opening. They have lost their settled opening pair of Mike Hussey and M Vijay at the auction and they need to look for a new combination. Smith is an option but there is a decision to be made over who will be his partner. Their bowling looks strong with Mohit Sharma, Ben Hilfenhaus and Ishwar Pandejy joining the established group of spinners in Jadeja and Ashwin.