Super Kings, the team to beat again

New Delhi: The India Cements-owned team has probably been the most consistent team in the IPL. Chennai Super Kings are the only team to qualify for the knockout stage in every edition of the tournament.

They also hold the impressive record of qualifying for the final of every IPL except one. They went on to win two of the four finals they were in. Led from the front by Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni; the men in yellow are once again one of the favourites in the tournament.

With the core of the team remaining same in all editions, Chennai Super Kings have one of the best team chemistry. A strong batting line-up and a gang of big hitters in the lower order, the Super Kings are capable of posting big scores.

With the addition of Dirk Nannes, Chennai have addressed their death bowling woes.

There is hard to pinpoint, specific weakness in the team, which has contested four finals. But nevertheless, the omission of Faf du Plessis through injury for the first four weeks would be a cause for concern, especially with no other big name for the opening slot besides Murali Vijay.

New recruits: Akila Dananjaya, Ben Laughlin, Chris Morris, Dirk Nannes, Jason Holder.

Players to watch out for: Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravichandran Ashwin, Morne Morkel, Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay.