CSK can still win third IPL in a row: Andy Bichel

Defending champions Chennai Super Kings have been struggling in the Indian Premier League season 5 but their bowling coach Andy Bichel feels that his side can still win the tournament for the third time in a row.

"There is lot of expectations from the fan base always. Winning three in a row is a high standard in IPL for us. It is a challenge for us. Ours is a good enough team to win this tournament," he said on the eve of their match against Deccan Chargers on Friday.

"The challenge for us is to going in to the final and it is a hardest part. We faced few challenges on the way. There is always scope for improvement. We have shown improvement and they might be through to the final. We have to concentrate on much of the tournament," he added.

Bichel said that the arrival of Australians Michael Hussey and Ben Hilfenhaus could change the fortunes of his side.

"Mike has been a big contributor last year. Ben had a long season and is still looking dying for it. I am not sure that Ben will find a place in the playing eleven. It is interesting we have got the full squad for the first time this edition. Everyone is pushing hard for a berth in the playing eleven," he said.

Bichel felt his side's bowlers have improved their performance in the last few months.

"I see them as really improving during last few months. That is a good thing. There has been a big improvement there in working up to the levels and the improvement shown by them in skill sets has been important for us. We have been hunted by the way and that is a challenge for us," said the Australian.

Asked if the addition of one Indian speedster in the team would have made a difference in his side's fortunes.

"It's always nice to have one of the local guys in the team. Youngsters are developing, young guys are coming through the system. Statistics in the back end of the matches that we have played here has been second to none. It is important for us. Albie Morkel has always been improving."

On the Chepauk pitch, Bichel said, "We have played couple of trial matches before the tournament and the tournament as well. Some days it turned and bounced and it has been different on some days.

"The weather conditions have been the case of dew some nights and the balls stood on the bat. On some days it made something different for the team batting second. It has been hard for the batsmen. We needed to change the composition accordingly with the overseas players. It has been bit of small little challenges. But, we cannot make excuses for it."