Chennai Super Kings – CSK best playing XI in IPL 2024

Chennai Super Kings are the defending champions heading into the IPL 2024, having won the previous edition by beating Gujarat Titans in the final and here is the CSK best playing XI for the 2024 season. CSK are the joint most successful franchise in the Indian Premier League with five titles. 

The men in yellow, led by MS Dhoni, have consistently been the top contenders, having reached the playoffs in all seasons they have played in except two. They will look to add the record sixth IPL title when they enter the upcoming season. 

Dhoni, aged 42, has still not retired and hopes to play the next season. However, there are murmurs that he might not be fit enough to participate in the IPL 2024. If that happens, CSK could be in some trouble. 

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Let's take a look at the Chennai Super Kings full squad and CSK best playing XI for the IPL 2024. 

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Full squad for IPL 2024

MS Dhoni (c), Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Devon Conway, Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajay Mandal, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Mitchell Santner, Simarjeet Singh, Nishant Sindhu, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman, Avanish Rao Aravelly

CSK best playing XI for 2024 IPL

Chennai Super Kings, who won the IPL 2023 by chasing the revised target of 171 in 15 overs against Gujarat Titans, have strengthened their squad for the upcoming edition. They released Ben Stokes and acquired the services of Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Sameer Rizvi and Shardul Thakur. The overseas combination looks pretty set with Devon Conway, Mitchell, Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha and they form a part of the CSK best playing XI.

1. Devon Conway (wk)

Devon Conway is one of the most consistent batters in the world and has a solid game versus, which makes him a great fit in the CSK side. He was outstanding in the previous edition of the tournament, where he amassed 672 runs at an average of 52 while striking at nearly 140. Conway smashed six half-centuries in the season. 

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad 

Much like Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad is a very reliable batter for CSK at the top of the order. In the last season, he consistently looked to be aggressive in the powerplay and couldn't produce big scores. But he still managed to pile on 590 runs at an average of 42 and a strike rate of 147. In late November, Gaikwad smashed an unbeaten 123 in just 57 deliveries in a T20I against Australia.

3. Ajinkya Rahane

They say players get outrageously better at CSK and Ajinkya Rahane was the biggest example of it. Labelled as a slow batter unfit for T20 cricket, Rahane stunned everyone in the IPL 2023. He made 326 runs in the season at an average of 33 and an astonishing strike rate of 172. Rahane will continue to be their number three for the IPL 2024. 

4. Daryl Mitchell 

The New Zealand powerhouse was the third most expensive player at the recent IPL auction, where CSK spent INR 14 crore to get him. Daryl Mitchell is an excellent player of spin and has been in the form of his life in the last couple of years. He smashed two centuries in the ODI World Cup against India. Mitchell is likely to be preferred over Moeen Ali. 

5. Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube is another player who has been at his best while representing Chennai Super Kings. He has a role clarity at CSK, which is to go in and smash spinners. He has done that well, scoring 707 runs in two IPL editions, striking at 157 and averaging 34. Being a left-hander, Dube will continue to be a key member in that middle order. 

6. Sameer Rizvi 

Sameer Rizvi was the most expensive uncapped player at the auction, with Chennai Super Kings securing him for INR 8.4 crore. The young sensation is known for his impressive hitting abilities, especially against spin. Having Rizvi float around will strengthen their batting unit in the IPL 2024. 

7. Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is a key figure in the CSK setup due to his all-round skill set. The left-arm orthodox spinner is a huge threat for batters, especially on the slow and turning pitches at the Chepauk. Jadeja picked 20 wickets in the IPL 2023 at an economy of 7.56. His batting is not as reliable but he can produce great moments here and there, such as scoring 10 off 2 in the final last season and is a must in CSK best playing XI.

8. MS Dhoni (wk)

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has done so much for this franchise that he can just play as a specialist captain. With Conway in the side, he won't even have to keep if his fitness doesn't allow him to. Last season, Dhoni did well with the bat as well, coming late and striking at 182. If he's not fit, CSK’s best option would be to play an extra bowler. 

9. Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur returns to the CSK side, having played the last two editions for Kolkata Knight Riders. His bowling in any of the three formats isn't reliable but the teams like what he offers as a package. A few wickets here and there, and batting contributions down the order make Thakur a good fit at CSK.

10. Deepak Chahar 

Deepak Chahar is the designated new-ball bowler for CSK and he's pretty decent at it. The right-arm pacer has been a part of Chennai Super Kings since 2018, picking 71 wickets from 68 innings at an economy of 7.85. 

11. Maheesh Theekshana 

Maheesh Theekshana, who was excellent in the 2022 edition, wasn't at his best in the previous edition. He picked 11 wickets from 13 games and conceded at 8 rpo, but Dhoni persisted with him. Being a bowler who turns the ball away from left-handers works in his favour, keeping Mitch Santner out. 

Matheesha Pathirana (Impact Player) 

The Sri Lankan bowler with slingy action, Matheesha Pathirana played a key role for CSK in the last season. He picked 19 wickets from 12 matches while conceding at just 8.01 rpo, bowling predominantly in death overs and though he misses out from CSK best playing XI, he will still be crucial.