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CSK in IPL 2024: Team preview
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remain the most successful team in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Out of the 14 seasons they have taken part in, the Super Kings advanced to the playoffs 12 times. It was only in 2020 and 2022 that they could not make it through to the second round.
MS Dhoni took charge of the team in the inaugural edition back in 2008 and he has been a vital cog in their setup since then. In 2022, Ravindra Jadeja was made the CSK captain, but Dhoni got back the reins midway through the season after the Super Kings struggled somehow.
Dhoni is now set to lead CSK in yet another season with an eye on their 6th title. The Yellow Army are the defending champions after they defeated Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat Titans in a nail-biting final last year at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match lasted for 3 days due to rain interruptions.
Jadeja hit Mohit Sharma for a six down the ground followed by a four through fine leg to take CSK past the finish line. Expectations will be high from MS Dhoni’s men, who have set high benchmarks, not only for teams in the IPL, but franchises all around the world.
Ahead of the auction that took place last year, CSK released Ben Stokes, Dwaine Pretorius, K Bhagath Varma, Subhranshu Senapati, Ambati Rayudu, Kyle Jamieson, Akash Singh and Sisanda Magala.
In the auction, they bought Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman and Avinash Rao Aravelly, who was recently a part of the Indian team that finished as the runners-up in the U19 World Cup on South Africa.
With a blend of youth and experience in their squad this time, CSK will be looking to have another prolific season.
Full CSK squad for IPL 2024
The Super Kings went all out for New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell and shelled out INR 14 crore for him. Sameer Rizvi is a promising young cricketer and CSK bought him for INR 8.40 crore. Dhoni’s men had a steal deal when they bought Ravindra for INR 1.80 crore.
Ravindra was expected to go big in the auction after his performances for the Kiwis in the World Cup. Mustafizur Rahman played for Delhi Capitals (DC) last season and will play for CSK, his third franchise after also representing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
CSK squad
MS Dhoni, Devon Conway (NZ), Avanish Rao Aravelly, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shaik Rasheed, Ajinkya Rahane, Sameer Rizvi, Moeen Ali (ENG), Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner (NZ), Ajay Mandal, Nishant Sindhu, Rachin Ravindra (NZ), Daryl Mitchell (NZ), Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana (SL), Simarjeet Singh, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana (SL), Mustafizur Rahman (BAN), Mukesh Choudhary.
Born in the shadows.
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 6, 2024
Built by sweat! 💪🏻
Guess the young lion heart! 🦁💛#WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/N76TIX3cTZ
Strengths
- Strong batting
The Super Kings have a power-packed batting unit. The inclusion of Mitchell and Ravindra have strengthened their batting. Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad remain crucial members of their batting lineup.
- Quality spinners
Maheesh Theekshana and Ravindra Jadeja are the first-choice spinners for CSK. If needed, the Super Kings also have the likes of Ravindra, Moeen Ali and Mitchell Santner.
- Bowlers for all conditions
The Super Kings have the bowling to perform well in all conditions. Mustafizur will be handy at the Chepauk because of the slower deliveries that he bowls. Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande also add value to their bowling
Weaknesses
- Experienced international pacer
The Super Kings do have an experienced international speedster to fall back on. Pathirana is talented and has been a genuine wicket-taker, but can be erratic on his day.
- MS Dhoni’s lack of game time
MS Dhoni has not played any form of cricket since last playing in the IPL 2024 final. While there is no doubt about his captaincy and wicketkeeping, concerns remain over his form with the bat in hand.
- Ajinkya Rahane’s form
Ajinkya Rahane has done well recently as the skipper of Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. However, he has not been amongst the runs and that is a reason to worry for the Super Kings.
CSK Predicted XI
1. Devon Conway
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad
3. Daryl Mitchell
4. Ajinkya Rahane
5. Rachin Ravindra
6. Shivam Dube
7. MS Dhoni
8. Ravindra Jadeja
9. Shardul Thakur
10. Deepak Chahar
11. Matheesha Pathirana
“A gift for the fans.” – THA7A FOREVER! 🦁💛#Dencoming #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/pg0Rmg54WR
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 5, 2024
Impact player options for CSK
Mustafizur Rahman can be an effective Impact Player, especially when the Super Kings are playing at the Chepauk. The pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai can be low and slow. Slower bowlers can make an impact and that is where Mustafizur comes into the picture.
Mustafizur has played in the IPL since 2016 and has loads of experience. The likes of Avinash Aravelly and Sameer Rizvi can also be handy Impact Players.
Season prediction
The Super Kings know the art of performing under pressure and that is one of the reasons behind their incredible success over the years. Dhoni has been an inspirational leader for them and even at the age of 42, the veteran is expected to guide CSK to more success.
One can expect the Super Kings to advance at least to the playoffs. They have always had the team to shine in big tournaments. Apart from their success in the IPL, CSK have also won 2 titles in the scrapped Champions League T20.
The Super Kings have played 10 finals thus far and that speaks volumes about the team Dhoni has built over the years.
In the auction, the Super Kings did a brilliant job by roping in the likes of Ravindra and Mitchell, who both were stupendous for the Kiwis in the World Cup. Ravindra also racked up a hundred against South Africa in the recent Test series.
Rizvi recently scored a triple hundred in the Colonel CK Nayudu Trophy. Given the squad that they have, it should not raise eyebrows if CSK go on to win yet another title.
