Cricket News
CSK’s Predicted Starting XI for IPL 2024
CSK bought half a dozen players in a mini-auction and tried to fill some voids in the squad.
As the IPL auction 2024 completed with a bang on Tuesday, all ten franchises look settled for now. However, fans and cricket pundits have started their preparations for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, defending champions Chennai Super Kings will be happy with their shopping in Dubai.
CSK bought half a dozen players in a mini-auction and tried to fill some voids in the squad. After the auction, the CSK delegation looked happy and comfortable with their purchases. The defending champions look settled for the upcoming challenge in season 17 of the prestigious tournament. So, here we go with their CSK predicted playing XI IPL 2024. This team is prepared considering they are playing in Chennai and batting first.
Top order: Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ajinkya Rahane
Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad (Source: Twitter)
Star New Zealand batter Devon Conway has been phenomenal in the last two seasons for CSK. In 22 matches, he has scored 924 runs at an average of 48.6 and a strike rate of 141.3. He, along with Ruturaj Gaikwad, has been phenomenal in setting up the base for CSK’s middle order.
On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been a great partner for Conway. He has complimented Conway’s fiery innings with a stable start. In the last two seasons, he has scored 958 runs in 29 innings at an average of 34.2 and a strike rate of 138. In the upcoming season, MS Dhoni-led CSK is unlikely to change this opening pair.
At number 3, CSK will go with ace Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane has been on and off in his IPL career, but his presence in the middle order will help CSK get a stable innings. Rahane can hold up an end and help others score freely. Last season, Rahane batted with a terrific strike rate of 172.5. He scored 326 runs in 11 innings at an average of 32.6.
Middle order: Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni (Source: Twitter)
At number 4, the Chennai Super Kings will surely miss Ambati Rayudu. However, as a replacement team, we have two Kiwi all-rounders, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell. In the best-case scenario, CSK might go with Mitchell, considering Rachin as his backup. Both had a great ODI World Cup, and it will be interesting to see how they adapt to their new roles.
Another addition to the middle order will be Uttar Pradesh batter Sameer Rizvi. The star batter has made headlines for his hard-hitting abilities and record-breaking century in the inaugural season of the Uttar Pradesh Premier League.
Further in the line-up, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will take up the charge. He will be key between the top and middle orders. Jadeja’s batting performance will determine CSK’s fighting abilities in the upcoming season. Additionally, in Chepauk, Jadeja has been one of the most lethal bowlers, and he will lead the spin bowling unit.
At number 7, the skipper and wicketkeeper-batter, MS Dhoni, will be there. Despite having retired from international cricket, Dhoni boasts the ability to destroy any bowling line-up. In the role of finisher, he will be a crucial asset for the team. Last season, he batted at a strike rate of 182.5.
Lower order: Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Maheesh Teekshana, and Mukesh Chaudhary
Deepak Chahar (Source: Twitter)
In the lower middle order, Chennai possesses great allrounders like Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur. They will be looked at as an additional batting option. Apart from their fitness concerns, Chennai doesn’t need to think much before fielding them in the playing XI. Chahar has been phenomenal in Chepauk, while Thakur had a homecoming in this auction.
To compliment Jadeja in the spin department, Chennai might field Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Teekshana. Teekshana was pivotal in the CSK record 5th IPL triumph last year. It’s worth noting that if conditions favour spin bowling, then CSK might field Mitchell Santner instead of Sameer Rizvi.
For hard-core pace bowling, CSK might go with Indian option Mukesh Chaudhary. Chaudhary has been phenomenal in his debut season and has impressed fans with his amazing performances. He will be key for CSK’s campaign, especially at slow pitches in Chennai and Lucknow.
Impact Player: Mitchell Santner
Mitchell Santner (Source: Twitter)
For impact players, CSK might field either Mitchell Santner or Sameer Rizvi, depending on toss results and match conditions. Santner has been the leading spinner for CSK in recent times, while Rizvi brings great firepower in the lower middle order.
