Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the joint-most successful team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with five titles and defending champions of tournaments, will commence their IPL 2024 campaign against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on 22nd March 2024 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. They will aim for their sixth title and want to make their season memorable because this year can be the last season for MS Dhoni, formally known as “Thala.” So, in this edition, we will discuss three significant challenges for CSK in IPL 2024 and what will be probable solutions because we can’t read Dhoni’s mind and his next move. 

Opener Devon Conway Ruled Out

In a significant setback for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), New Zealand opener Devon Conway has been ruled out of the upcoming IPL 2024 tournament due to a thumb injury sustained during a T20 match against Australia. This injury comes as a blow to CSK’s preparations for the season opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore, scheduled on 22nd March at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

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Devon Conway, a key player for CSK, suffered the injury while representing his national team in a recent T20 fixture against Australia. The left-handed batter, who was bought by CSK for a base price of Rs 1 crore in the 2022 IPL auction, has an impressive IPL record, having scored 924 runs in 23 matches with a commendable strike rate of 141.28 and an average of 46.12.

Impact on CSK & Solution: 

Conway’s absence leaves a void in CSK’s batting lineup, especially considering his consistent performances in the IPL. However, CSK remains optimistic about finding a suitable replacement to maintain the team’s balance and performance standards.

To address the absence of Devon Conway, CSK has identified Rachin Ravindra, another talented New Zealander, as a potential replacement. Ravindra, known for his aggressive batting style and ability to bowl left-arm spin, brings a wealth of experience to the team. Having scored over 500 runs in Indian conditions during the ODI World Cup 2023, Ravindra is poised to fill Conway’s shoes effectively.

With Ravindra seamlessly fitting into the playing XI as an opener alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK aims to maintain its strong batting lineup and left-right combination at the top order.

Matheesha Pathirana’s Injury

In addition to Conway’s injury, CSK faces concerns over Pathirana’s hamstring injury, which could impact the team’s bowling options. In the recent update, Pathirana suffered a grade 1 hamstring injury to his left leg during Sri Lanka’s second T20I against Bangladesh. Consequently, he was ruled out from the third match between the two sides, raising doubts about his availability for CSK’s start in IPL 2024. Deepak Chahar will make his comeback after a long time, so seeing how he will perform in the upcoming season will be interesting. 

Impact On CSK & Solutions:

However, CSK boasts a formidable bowling lineup comprising seasoned bowlers like Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande, supplemented by acquisitions like Shardul Thakur and Mustafizur Rahman during the IPL 2024 auction. So, MSD and their bowling coach will make a good bowling lineup. 

Top Order Batting Concern

CSK confronts challenges in their top batting order due to injuries and players’ form issues. With Shivam Dube and Ajinkya Rahane facing fitness and form concerns, the absence of Ambati Rayudu adds to the team’s batting woes. However, the return of MS Dhoni brings anticipation among fans for his vintage helicopter shots, offering hope for CSK’s middle-order stability.

Impact On CSK & Solutions:

Any cricket pundit or expert can only give a perfect solution if the think tanker of CSK is MS Dhoni. Under his leadership, cricket players were nourished like diamonds. Like Shivam, Rahane, Moeen Ali, and even former player Shane Watson, we only predict the batting top order for them. As we know, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra will be open to them. After this, at numbers 3, 4 & 5, we can see Rahane, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali and sometimes surprisingly, Sameer Rizvi/Daryl Mitchell.   

CSK IPL 2024 Squad: MS Dhoni (C), Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, 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, Mahesh Theekshana, Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman, Avanish Rao Aravelly.