As we are just a month away from the start of IPL 2024, the anticipation around the defending champion, CSK’s (Chennai Super Kings) team, has taken a new high. If CSK would repeat their last year’s flamboyance again, Dhoni would have the last laugh, with most IPL titles to his credit. But the contest is not going to be easy. IPL clashes are well known for their last-ball finishes and nail-biting super overs.
Moreover, as MS Dhoni turns 42 this year, fans are hoping beyond expectation that the Indian Premier League’s 17th edition will not be the last one for Thalaiva. Even though Mahi’s age has started catching up to him, there is no official confirmation regarding his inevitable retirement announcement, much to the dismay of his fans and well-wishers.
If you could take your memory a little back, who can forget the legend’s famous couplet, “Thank you very much” But the tough thing for me is to work hard for another nine months and come back and play at least one more season of IPL?”—MS Dhoni. So, the CSK captain’s retirement announcement, though imminent, can certainly be postponed up to IPL 2025.
So, what’s in it for CSK fans?
Just like the legend Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement days, when he finished his IPL career with a trophy in hand as part of MI’s winning team combination as mentor and team player, fans are hopeful of Dhoni’s selfie with the IPL 17 trophy as he walks into the sunset. Well, nobody knows the future. What we have is the current edition of IPL 17, which beholds every one of us.
Besides retirement, another concern for CSK fans is the team’s performance. One thing is for sure: cricket is a team sport. Only Dhoni or Jadeja can’t always perform or help their team win. Much depends upon the team’s composition and how well its players perform throughout the tournament.
As far as CSK’s team composition is concerned, the IPL season 2024 will be a challenging one for the team. Besides, captain Dhoni and Jadeja’s growing age, flexes, and agility will be scrutinized by fans and the support members throughout the tournament, considering the safety point of view—Jadeja is also the India men’s senior’s integral part of the team across all formats of the game.
Team Chennai must also find an aptly-suited replacement for a star athlete like Ambati Rayudu. The latter has recently hung his boots ahead of IPL 2024’s team auction announcement.
CSK Squad for IPL 2024
| PLAYER | ROLE |
| MS Dhoni (c) | Batter/Wicket-keeper |
| Devon Conway | Batter |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Batter |
| Ajinkya Rahane | Batter |
| Ajay Mandal | All-Rounder |
| Nishant Sindhu | All-Rounder |
| Moeen Ali | All-Rounder |
| Shivam Dube | All-Rounder |
| Rajvardhan Hangargekar | Bowler |
| Shaik Rasheed | Batter |
| Mitchell Santner | All-Rounder |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-Rounder |
| Tushar Deshpande | Bowler |
| Mukesh Choudhary | Bowler |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Bowler |
| Simarjeet Singh | Bowler |
| Deepak Chahar | Bowler |
| Prashant Solanki | Bowler |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Bowler |
| Rachin Ravindra | Batter |
| Shardul Thakur | All-Rounder |
| Daryl Mitchell | All-Rounder |
| Sameer Rizvi | Batter |
| Mustafizur Rahman | Bowler |
| Avinash Rao Aravelly | Batter |
Chennai Super Kings has one of the strong squad heading into the IPL 2024. They are led by MS Dhoni, who has been leader supreme, especially in the way he carried the team over the line and won them the record equaling fifth IPL trophy last season.
He will be have the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway opening the inning for his side. The duo was formidable in the last year’s title conquest. However, it was the Kiwi powerhouse that dominated the show with 600+ runs in the season. Devon Conway emerged as the highest runs scorer for Chennai Super Kings.
The middle order will once again comprise of Ajinkya Rahane, the man who changed the course of the season for CSK. He was a revelation really. The kind of performance he put up to give his side a massive boost was worth the watch. Following him was the find of the season, Shivan Dube. The southpaw has been in the form of his life ever since last season, amassing tons of runs in both international and domestic circuit.
Moving towards the finishers and allrounders, CSK has the champion in the form of Ravindra Jadeja. Nobody will forget his two lethal strikes in the final balls of the match that took Chennai Super Kings over the line. Also, his bowling has been commendable in the shortest format of the game. He is one of the really blessed players to be called as 3D, who can contribute in fielding as well.
In bowling they have the likes of pace bowling options like Tushar Deshpande, Deepak Chahar and Matheesha Pathirana. The Sri Lankan pacer was another reason behind CSK’s success last season. His sling action was a headache for batters to counter in the death overs of the game.
Moreover, expectations from the young Rachin Ravindra will be at an all-time high this season. CSK invested a whopping Rs. 1.8 crore to bring the Kiwi batter into the fold. Rachin is expected to spearhead CSK’s batting from the very start throughout IPL 2024 as an opener.
Don’t forget that Rachin had a blast last year at the ICC CWC 2023, smashing 578 runs in 10 matches, just falling short of 20 odd runs to topple Rohit Sharma for the 2nd spot. However, Virat Kohli was the top scorer in the tournament, with 765 runs to his credit.
The inclusion of talented Daryle Mitchell (a Kiwi all-rounder) can contribute well for CSK with both bat and ball. The left-hand batsman was bought at the IPL auction 2024 for INR 14 crore.
In Conclusion
On paper, CSK’s current team looks good. They have a combination of experienced and young players who can play a decisive role in the tournament’s knockout stage.
CSK will also keep a tab on Shardul Thakur. The Dhoni-led team bought the right-arm fast for INR 4 crore; no doubt, MS Dhoni will have huge expectations from him. He is set to open the bowling for CSK. Thakur can also contribute well with bats as a useful lower-order batsman.
In addition, the inclusion of Sameer Rizvi (an all-rounder) also made many headlines. Rizvi has been extremely sensational in the recently concluded UP-T20 league, hammering 455 runs at a strike rate of 189 with an average of 50.
The recent auction also paved the way for Mustafizur’s entry into the CSK squad. The Bangladesh top pacer Mustafizur Rahman will also oversee their bowling department at the IPL 2024.
CSK: Probable Squad for IPL-2024
Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman, Avinash Rao Aravelly, MS Dhoni (Captain & Wicket Keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Nishant Sindhu, Ajay Mandal, Mukesh Choudhary, Mitchell Santner, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, and Shaik Rasheed.
Penned by: AHC
