Chennai Super Kings have not looked one bit the team that helped them wrest back-to-back IPL titles.

There are many holes to be filled but the format is such that it provides scope for a quick turnaround.

It is not beyond the defending champions to get their campaign back on track. However their next assignment - against Royal Challengers Bangalore will be their toughest test yet.

Skipper MS Dhoni requires to arrest his poor run quickly and should not be afraid to take a few bold decisions quickly before it becomes too late. History suggests Chennai have not been the best starters.

Barring the inaugural season in 2008, Chennai has not had a smooth first week. So there is no need to press the panic button yet but lessons will have to be learnt from the to massive defeats. The positive net run rate (NRR) is comforting though.

Here is a look at what the champions need to do.

Need for a change in opening combination: Without doubt M. Vijay has been a influential player for CSK and is easily one of the better ball strikers in the country but the 28-year-old has been short of runs and confidence.

It would not be a bad idea to promote R. Ashwin (as indicated by Dhoni himself prior to the opening game) or S. Anirudha to partner Faf du Plesiss for the next two-three games. The break could help Vijay regain his rhythm as well.

MS Dhoni has to bat higher: There is no reason for Dhoni to bat at No.7 in a T20 game. Barring S. Badrinath who plays the anchor role to perfection, it is time Chennai fields their big hitters up the order to give them an opportunity to spend more time in the middle.

For Some reason Dhoni has not been able to express himself as he used to. The situation can get to any batsman however non-fussed their outlook is. It’s time the skipper understands that he is not doing himself or the team a favour by batting lower down the order.

Seam department lacks sting: The over dependence on spin continues to haunt the side. Ashwin has been consistent while Shadab Jakati and Ravindra Jadeja have filled in well but the same cannot be said about the seamers.

Doug Bollinger does not look fully fit. Albie Morkel has not been consistent with his length. The margin for error is extremely low and the attack has to shore up, especially at a time where the batsmen are not firing on all cylinders.

High expectations on Jadeja: To be honest no present day cricketer can live up to the hype of such a humongous paycheck. It is not Jadeja’s fault that his services were acquired at $2 million plus whatever astronomical amount that was paid in the secret bidding.

The street-smart cricketer has already made critics eat humble pie by grabbing the man of the match award against the Deccan Chargers. It will be fool hardy to expect a match winning performance in every game from Jadeja. Expectations have to be realistic.

Adapt to the Chepauk track: One of the primary reasons for Chennai’s dream run over the last two seasons was they adapting admirably to the conditions at home.

The bubble went bust in the opener against Mumbai Indians. Coach Stephen Fleming was right in saying teams cannot be denied “home advantage”. Chennai’s strength has been spin and the slow track helped them well but the pitch looks to have changed character this time around.

The seamers will have a bigger role to play this time around and if they fail to step up then defending targets could prove extremely difficult.