Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made strategic moves during the IPL 2024 auction on December 19, adding six players to their roster. As the defending champions, CSK aimed to reinforce their squad and fill any potential gaps heading into the 17th season. Notable additions included Daryl Mitchell as a potential replacement for Ambati Rayudu, along with Rachin Ravindra and the reacquisition of Shardul Thakur.

The team’s focus on acquiring backups and strengthening key positions is evident, with Mustafizur Rahman serving as a backup for Matheesha Pathirana and Avanish Rao Aravelly as a contingency for MS Dhoni.

Heading into a possible last season in the IPL, MS Dhoni is set to lead the Chennai Super Kings after recovering from knee surgery post the IPL 2023 final. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan expressed satisfaction with the new acquisitions in a post-match interaction after the auction. In this analysis, we explore Chennai Super Kings’ best possible playing XI ahead of the IPL 2024 season.

See Also:IPL 2024: Best Playing XI for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Post Mini Auction

The potential playing XI for CSK in IPL 2024 features:

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad: Opening the batting for CSK, Gaikwad has been a consistent run-scorer for the franchise since IPL 2021, making him a key player for the team’s top order.
2. Devon Conway: Partnering with Gaikwad at the top, Conway, the second-highest run-scorer from the previous season, aims to continue his formidable opening partnership.
3. Ajinkya Rahane: A revelation for CSK last season, Rahane brings experience and impactful performances, providing solidity in the middle order.
4. Moeen Ali / Daryl Mitchell: Depending on playing conditions and team combination, either Mitchell or Moeen Ali can take the fourth batting position. Mitchell’s acquisition for 14 crores adds depth to CSK’s middle order.
5. Shivam Dube: As the power-hitter at five, Dube showcased his batting prowess last season and looks to continue his attacking style.
6. Ravindra Jadeja: Slotting in at six, Jadeja, a seasoned campaigner for CSK, contributes with both bat and ball, making him a reliable asset.
7. MS Dhoni (C/WK): Dhoni, at seven, not only provides cameos with the bat but also leads the team with his astute captaincy, a key factor for CSK’s success.
8. Shardul Thakur: Batting at eight, Thakur, a reacquired player, adds depth to the batting lineup and contributes with crucial cameos.
9. Deepak Chahar: Batting at nine, Chahar leads the bowling attack, relying on his experience and skill to make an impact.
10. Maheesh Theekshana: Theekshana, a specialist spinner, takes one of the spin-bowling slots and is considered a powerplay bowler.
11. Matheesha Pathirana: Leading the attack alongside Chahar, Pathirana, with his 20 wickets from the previous season, aims to continue his impactful performances. Mustafizur Rahman serves as his backup.

Impact Sub – Tushar Deshpande: Deshpande, the Indian pacer, operates as the impact sub for CSK, bringing depth and variety to the bowling lineup.With this playing XI, CSK aims to defend their title in the IPL 2024 season, combining experience and firepower across batting and bowling departments.

CSK IPL 2024 FULL SQUAD

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.