Last Updated on 7 months by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: A look at the possible playing 11 for CSK in IPL 2024 as they aim to defend their title
Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) look strong once again in their quest for a record-breaking sixth title. The Yellow Army sealed a remarkable triumph in 2023, with their depth and belief coming to the fore.
This season, CSK will be tough to beat once again. They have added quality domestic and overseas talent to their squad, giving the team management plenty of options as to the makeup of their playing XI for the opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Chepauk on March 22.
CSK possible playing 11 for first game of IPL 2024 against RCB
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 2. Rachin Ravindra (OS), 3. Ajinkya Rahane, 4. Shivam Dube, 5. Daryl Mitchell (OS), 6. Moeen Ali (OS), 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 9. Mitchell Santner (OS), 10. Deepak Chahar, 11. Shardul Thakur/Tushar Deshpande
In a blow for CSK, opener Devon Conway is set to miss at least a few games of the IPL 2024 season due to a thumb injury suffered in the recent T20I series against Australia. His New Zealand teammate, Rachin Ravindra, could take his place at the top.
CSK have the services of Daryl Mitchell after landing him for 14cr in the auction. Mitchell gives the side excellent balance in the middle order, with his ability to play spin crucial on what is often a spin-friendly surface at Chepauk.
There may be no room for Sameer Rizvi, dubbed the “right-handed Suresh Raina”. The talented batsman went for 8.40cr in the auction, but whether CSK opt for experience in Rahane and Dube in the first game remains to be seen.
Also, CSK have a call to make on their fourth overseas option. Matheesha Pathirana was outstanding in 2023, but we could see a slow, spin-friendly surface at Chepauk to counter RCB’s strong batting lineup. So, Mitchell Santner may get the nod given RCB’s top six is likely to be all right-handers: Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Dinesh Karthik.
