Chennai Super Kings IPL 2024: Probable Playing 11, Full Squad list, Player Analysis

CSK 2024 Pre-Auction Challenges

What They Needed?

• Overseas Fast-bowling All-rounder: Ben Stokes' departure left a gap in the middle-order. CSK needed someone who could bat and bowl.
• Successor for Ambati Rayudu: After Rayudu's retirement, CSK was on the lookout for a batter who could take charge during the middle-overs.

CSK 2024 Post-Auction Solutions

What They Got?

• Daryl Mitchell: CSK bagged him for a hefty INR 14 crore. He's the answer to the all-rounder puzzle, adding power with both bat and ball.
• Sameer Rizvi: Bought for INR 8.40 crore, he steps into the shoes of Rayudu, ready to bring some spark to the middle-order.

CSK IPL 2024 Probable Playing XI:

Why this Probable 11 for CSK?

1. Devon Conway (Wicketkeeper/Batsman):

• Key Stats IPL 2023:
  • Runs: 672
  • Strike Rate: 139.71
  • 50s/100s: 6/0
• Individual Impact:
  • Conway's prolific run-scoring ability, evident from his impressive tally in IPL 2023, establishes him as a reliable top-order batsman.
  • A healthy strike rate showcases his ability to score at a brisk pace without compromising on consistency.
  • Highest Run scorer for CSK and 3rd overall in IPL 2023 Edition.
• How He Helps the Team:
  • Anchoring innings: Conway's ability to anchor the innings ensures stability, allowing other batsmen to play freely around him.
  • Versatility: His dual role as a wicketkeeper adds flexibility to the team composition, allowing for strategic changes during the match.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Batsman):

• Key Stats IPL 2023:
  • Runs: 590
  • Strike Rate: 147.50
  • 50s/100s: 4/0
• Individual Impact:
  • Gaikwad's aggressive batting style and impressive strike rate make him a potent force at the top of the order.
  • Consistent run-scoring, as reflected in his four half-centuries, establishes him as a dependable run-getter.
  • Orange cap holder in 2021 and Highest Run scorer for CSK in 2022.
• How He Helps the Team:
  • Powerplay domination: Gaikwad's aggressive approach in the powerplay puts pressure on the opposition and sets the tone for the innings.
  • Partnering with Conway: The Gaikwad-Conway partnership lays the foundation for CSK's batting, creating a platform for middle-order fireworks.

3. Daryl Mitchell (All-rounder - Batsman/Bowler):

• Key Stats IPL 2022:
  • Runs: 33, Wickets: 0
  • Strike Rate: 129.20
  • Economy Rate: 7.80
  Background:
  • Played only 2 matches in 2022 due to team balance at Rajasthan.
  • Unsold in 2023 auction but picked by CSK based on ICC 2023 World Cup performance.
  • Currently ranked 5th in ICC overall Test and 6th in ICC overall ODI rankings.
• Team Contribution:
  • Mitchell's journey from being unsold to CSK showcases resilience.
  • Adaptability, both with bat and as a support bowler, makes him a valuable team player, aiming to elevate impact in the upcoming season.

4. Shivam Dube (All-rounder - Batsman/Bowler):

• Key Stats* IPL 2023*:
  • Runs: 411, Wickets: 0
  • Strike Rate: 159.92
• Individual Impact:
  • Hits a lot of Sixers
  • Dube's dual ability as a hard-hitting batsman and a wicket-taking bowler makes him a valuable asset in all departments.
  • A commendable strike rate showcases his ability to score quick runs, putting pressure on the opposition.
• How He Helps the Team:
  • Finishing prowess: Dube's ability to accelerate in the death overs adds crucial runs to the total, often turning the tide in CSK's favor.
  • Bowling flexibility: Dube's variations provide the captain with strategic options, especially in containing runs and breaking partnerships.

5. Ajinkya Rahane (Batsman):

• Key Stats:
  • IPL 2023 Runs: 326
  • Strike Rate: 172.49
  • 50s/100s: 2/0
• Individual Impact:
  • Rahane's experience and classical batting style add stability to the middle order, allowing for controlled innings building.
  • While not known for explosive stroke play, he has shown an ability to accelerate the innings and rotate the strike when it’s crucial.
• How He Helps the Team:
  • Mentorship: Rahane's experience brings leadership qualities to the team, aiding the younger players and contributing to a positive team culture.

6. a) Rachin Ravindra (All-rounder)

• New Zealand T20 League 2022:
  • Matches: 8 | Runs: 142 | Average: 20.29 | Strike Rate: 121.37
  • Notable: One fifty, displaying promising form.
• New Zealand - T20 Series:
  • Matches: 6 | Runs: 55 | Average: 11.00 | Strike Rate: 130.95
  • Showcased adaptability with a significant contribution.

b) Mitchell Santner (All-Rounder):

• Key Stats* IPL 2023*:
  • Runs: 2, Wickets: 3
  • Strike Rate: 50.00
  • Economy Rate : 6.75
• Analysis:
  1. Batting Prowess: Santner, though lower in runs, compensates with valuable contributions, especially under pressure.
  2. Spin Options: Santner's economical bowling adds pressure on opponents.
  3. Versatility: Santner's utility as a spinner contributes significantly to the team's balance.
• Role in the Team:
  • Ravindra: Solid middle-order batsman with occasional spin.
  • Santner: Key spinner with the ability to bat when needed.
• Team Contribution:
  • Their combined prowess ensures stability in the middle order and strategic bowling options.

7. Ravindra Jadeja (All-rounder - Batsman/Spinner):

• Key Stats* IPL 2023*:
  • Runs: 175, Wickets: 20
  • Strike Rate: 137.80
  • Economy Rate: 7.56
• Analysis:
  1. Dominance with the Bat:
     • Jadeja's exceptional strike rate adds impetus to the innings, often turning the game's momentum.
     • Consistent run-scoring ability, making him a vital asset in the batting lineup.
  2. Spin Wizardry:
     • Jadeja's left-arm spin is a potent weapon, accounting for crucial wickets.
     • Maintains a tight economy, building pressure on opponents.
  3. Athletic Fielding:
     • Renowned for acrobatic fielding, contributes to run-saving stops and remarkable catches.
  4. Leadership Role:
     • As a senior player, Jadeja provides leadership on and off the field.
• Role in the Team:
  • Key all-rounder providing balance with both bat and ball.
• Team Contribution:
  • Jadeja's dynamic performances uplift the team in all facets of the game.

8. MS Dhoni (Wicketkeeper/Batsman - Captain):

• Key Stats* IPL 2023*:
  • Runs: 104
  • Strike Rate: 185.71
• Analysis:
  1. Captaincy and Experience:
     • Dhoni's captaincy acumen is unparalleled, guiding the team with shrewd tactics.
     • His wealth of experience and calm demeanor under pressure are invaluable.
  2. Dependable Batting:
     • Dhoni's ability to finish games and anchor the innings remains crucial.
     • Presence behind the stumps adds value with sharp wicketkeeping skills.
  3. Strategic Decision-making:
     • Known for astute decision-making, Dhoni's on-field strategies often prove game-changing.
  4. Mentorship Role:
     • Acts as a mentor to younger players, fostering a positive team culture.
• Role in the Team:
  • Captain, wicketkeeper, and a dependable middle-order batsman.
• Team Contribution:
  • Dhoni's leadership, batting, and wicketkeeping collectively elevate the team's performance.

9. Shardul Thakur (Bowler):

• Key Stats IPL 2023:
  • Runs: 113
  • Wickets: 7
  • Economy Rate: 10.48
  • Best Bowling: 2/23
• Analysis:
  1. Wicket-taking Ability:
     • Thakur's knack for picking up wickets at crucial junctures is a significant asset.
     • Demonstrated consistency in delivering breakthroughs.
  2. Economical Bowling:
     • While being an aggressive wicket-taker, Thakur maintains an economical rate, reducing opposition scoring.
  3. Variety in Bowling:
     • Exhibits versatility with an array of deliveries, keeping batsmen guessing.
     • Proven ability to bowl effective yorkers in death overs.
  4. Fielding Prowess:
     • Thakur's agility in the field, coupled with safe catching, adds value beyond bowling.
• Role in the Team:
  • Key wicket-taking bowler, often employed in crucial phases.
• Team Contribution:
  • Thakur's ability to break partnerships and control the run rate makes him a vital cog in the bowling unit.

10. Deepak Chahar (Bowler):

• Key Stats* IPL 2023*:
  • Wickets: 13
  • Economy Rate: 8.74
  • Best Bowling: 3/22
• Analysis:
  1. Swing and Seam Movement:
     • Chahar's ability to swing the ball and extract seam movement provides early breakthroughs.
     • Consistency in maintaining pressure during powerplays.
  2. Death Bowling Skills:
     • Effective in the death overs, Chahar's variations and yorkers are potent weapons.
     • Maintains composure in pressure situations.
  3. Economical Bowling:
     • Keeps a check on the run rate with disciplined and well-controlled spells.
  4. Athletic Fielding:
     • Adds value in the field with agile movements and reliable catching.
• Role in the Team:
  • New ball specialist, effective in powerplays and death overs.
• Team Contribution:
  • Chahar's ability to provide early breakthroughs and control the flow of runs makes him a vital component.

11. Matheesha Pathirana/Maheesh Theekshana (Bowler):

• Key Stats (Pathirana):
  • IPL 2023: 19 wickets, Eco: 8.01, Best: 3/15
• Key Stats (Theekshana):
  • IPL 2023: 11 wickets, Eco: 8.00, Best: 2/23
• Analysis:
  1. Emerging Talents:
     • Both Pathirana and Theekshana bring youthful energy and a hunger for success.
     • U-19 success for Pathirana and impactful T20I debut for Theekshana indicate their potential.
  2. Variety in Bowling:
     • Pathirana's pace and Theekshana's spin provide a diverse bowling attack.
     • Their unpredictability can unsettle opposition batsmen.
  3. X-Factor:
     • Both players offer an X-factor, capable of turning the game in favor of the team.
     • Potential match-winners if given the opportunity.
  4. Adaptability:
     • Their adaptability to different match situations and conditions is a crucial factor for success.
• Role in the Team:
  • Emerging bowlers with the potential to surprise and make an impact.
• Team Contribution:
  • Pathirana and Theekshana add a youthful exuberance and unpredictability to the bowling unit.

Chennai Super Kings 2024 Full Squad

Key Additions to CSK 2024 Squad:

• Rachin Ravindra: Bought for a steal at INR 1.8 crore, this Kiwi all-rounder adds depth to CSK's lineup.
• Shardul Thakur: Secured for INR 4 crore, Thakur's return strengthens the bowling unit with his variations.
• Daryl Mitchell: A substantial purchase at INR 14 crore, Mitchell brings power-hitting and all-round capabilities.
• Sameer Rizvi: The young batter from Uttar Pradesh, acquired for INR 8.40 crore, adds exciting potential to the squad.
• Mustafizur Rahman: Bought for INR 2 crore, the Bangladeshi pacer provides additional firepower to the bowling department.

What you can expect from CSK?