Injury concerns, change in captaincy at the last moment, last season for MS Dhoni in CSK colours? Will CSK defend thier title and be a 6 time champion?
The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League is just a night away and the excitement is sky high!! Chennai Super Kings enter the competition as the defending champions after a high drama last ball finish made them equal themselves with 5 trophies in their cabinet with Mumbai Indians.
Coming to the part of mini auctions which happened, Chennai Super Kings were a bolt from the blue for their fans as they are always trolled for not picking as per the fan’s favourite, but this time, the fans are way more than happy with the picks by the Chennai Super Kings. The way how CSK picked Daryll Mitchell at the last minute from Punjab Kings shows the meticulous planning of the franchise. Picks of Rachin Ravindra, Sameer Rizvi, Avinash Rao Aravelly shows how the franchise is moving forward with young talents and building the team to be ready post the Dhoni era.
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Probable Playing XI:
Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
Rachin Ravindra
Ajinkya Rahane
Daryll Mitchell
Ravindra Jadeja
MS Dhoni (WK)
Sameer Rizvi
Mitchell Santner / Mustafizur Rahman
Shardul Thakur
Deepak Chahar
Maheesh Theekshana
Impact Subs: Shivam Dube / Mukesh Choudhary
The combination of Ravindra and Ruturaj is to be tested fresh as Devon Conway has been ruled out for a definite period of time due to injury and this would be a new partner for Ruturaj to gel with and produce results at the top. Daryll Mitchell has been in his form of life for the past 2 years as he has experience with opening the batting for New Zealand, play an anchor role in the middle and can also roll his arms when needed. Exciting prospect in Sameer Rizvi who has been highly rated by many and who also showed his heroics in the recent Uttar Pradesh T20 tournament speaks volumes of how CSK targeted him and pocketed him in the auctions.
Coming to the bowling department, there are injury concerns with Matheesha Pathirana coming back from an injury and SLC board keeping an eye on him to keep him fresh for the T20 World Cup in June-July. If Pathirana does not feature much, then it would open doors for Mustafizur Rahman who would suit the Chennai deck with his slow cutters. The Indian contingent of Mukesh Choudhary and Simarjeet Singh are also to be kept an eye on as they are returning from injuries and need to be cautious with their availability. Return of Shardul Thakur to AnbuDen would bolster Deepak Chahar as he has an able partner who can break partnerships at times when needed. Tushar Deshpande also is a perfect backup when one falters as he was in his great form during the recently concluded Ranji and hope that he would deliver when needed.
Keeping an eye on injuries and availabilities, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad would have a task ahead of how to ensure CSK defends their trophy for this year.
Wait what?? Yes, you read it right!! Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed as the new captain of the Chennai Super Kings with a smooth transition from Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Maybe this would be the last season for the champion, our dear Thala.
Thank you, Dhoni and welcome Ruturaj, as the new captain!!
CSK Squad 2024:
Batters: Devon Conway (injured), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Sameer Rizvi
Wicket keepers: MS Dhoni, Avinash Rao Aravelly
All Rounders: Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Nishant Sindhu, Ajay Mandal, Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryll Mitchell
Bowlers: Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathurana, Mustafizur Rahman, Mukesh Choudhary, Simarjeet Singh, Prashant Solanki, Tusha Deshpande
