CSK - Kings of all they survey

Twice champions, three time runners-up and two time semifinalists. That pretty much sums up the enviable record Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had in the seven-year history of the IPL. It is a dream line-up which saw the explosive pair of Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum start proceedings last season before the likes of Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis and skipper MS Dhoni took over. As if these heavyweights aren't enough, old warhorse Michael Hussey too returned to the fold after having been part of the Mumbai Indians in 2014.

While Mohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin have shone with the ball, the presence of outstanding fielders adds a lot of fire-power to the CSK unit. Quality cricketers notwithstanding, the credit for CSK's success over the years also goes to a strong team culture and the presence of a loyal fan base. As Michael Hussey walked out for practice at the MA Chidambaram Stadium last week, a fan watching the proceedings summed it up with a placard which read "Ghar Wapsi - Welcome back."

That's not all. Despite the influx of new players into the team, the Dhoni-led unit has more or less retained its core over the years. The constants in the form of Dhoni, Raina, and R Ashwin in the line-up have made it easy for the fans to connect with the team. "As most of the players in our team have been together for many seasons now, it gives the side a settled look which today is the hallmark of our team," said Raina, during an interaction with TOI last year. Interestingly, even the support staff in CSK has more or less been the same for the past few seasons.

Brendon McCullum, who joined the side last season, added that the team has immensely benefited by having clear-cut roles for each member. "You are able to find your way into the team and know what is expected off you," McCullum mentioned. In Dhoni, Bravo, McCullum and Faf, CSK may have been blessed with four international skippers, but the Indian skipper remains the undisputed leader of the ship when it comes to taking on-field decisions.

Despite so many pluses, CSK do have a few grey areas and seam bowling is one of them. Mohit Sharma, who was the highest wicket-taker with 23 wickets last year, failed to find much support. CSK also suffered because of leaking runs in the death. To address this concern, the auctions earlier this year saw the side bolster their pace attack by roping in Kyle Abbott, Andrew Tye and Irfan Pathan. The seam attack which already possessed Dwayne Bravo, Ashish Nehra, Ishwar Pandey and Matt Henry in their ranks - now appears more potent. In Stephen Fleming, CSK have a coach whose cricketing acumen is second to none. The former Kiwi skipper has strived hard to maintain consistency in selection. As the new season beckons, CSK will once again begin the competition as favourites. Having missed out on the trophy in the last three seasons, Dhoni's men will be more than keen to become the first team to have won the title thrice.

Good On balance, weak on pace

Strength: One of the most balanced and consistent sides in the tournament. The squad boasts of a deep batting line-up, good attack and superb fielding. They also have quality all-rounders.

Weakness: Absence of a genuine quick bowler. Mike Hussey, who the franchise bought back from MI, could be rusty.

Opportunity: The opening pair of Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith is probably the most destructive. If they give a quick start, batsmen like Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni and Dwayne Bravo can put a huge score on board which may seal the fate of the match in most cases.

Threats: Fatigue. Quite a few players like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Brendon McCullum, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin and seamer Mohit Sharma could be tired after a gruelling World Cup.

Squad: MS Dhoni (c), Ravichandran Ashwin, Brendon McCullum, Ashish Nehra, Baba Aparajith, Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Faf du Plessis, Ishwar Pandey, Matt Henry, Mithun Manhas, Mohit Sharma, Pawan Negi, Ravindra Jadeja, Samuel Badree, Suresh Raina, Ronit More, Michael Hussey, Rahul Sharma, Kyle Abbott. Irfan Pathan, Pratyush Singh, Ankush Bains, Eklavya Dwivedi