Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won their 5^th Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2023 when many cricket Pundits gave no chance to the Dhoni-led Chennai Team.

Will CSK Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and CSK again do the unthinkable and defend their IPL title?

CSK with five IPL titles equalled Mumbai Indians’ record.

CSK played their record 10 finals making them the most successful team in the cash-rich tournament.

In the Indian Premier League, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have qualified for the playoff stages 12 times out of the 14 seasons they have played, a record no team even comes close to.

Let us understand how the team stands before the start of the 2024 season.

Presented by:  Raghunath Nair

Introduction

 CSK Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is considered arguably the most successful IPL captain in the league’s history.  He has more often than not taken his team to IPL finals with his extreme leadership skills.

While most teams pack their team with superstars in the auction, buying them at mind-boggling numbers, the Chennai Super Kings management makes every player buy with a clear plan.

While they end up with a squad with no big names, they still end up being the most consistent team in most seasons.

One of the reasons Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been a successful captain is that he ends up putting up the most balanced playing eleven for the game.

While T20 has evolved over the years, CSK Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s game plan tends to be traditional yet effective.

Post the mega auction, Chennai Super Kings were able to maintain their core team as most of their players flew under the radar in the auction. While other teams relied more on buying the current T20 superstars from other leagues, CSK kept faith in their old horses who helped them win titles.

So, will MSD magic work again and win IPL Title 2024?

The CSK team had to get a strong replacement for the retired Ambati Rayudu in the mini-auction.

Unlike in the past, CSK to everyone’s surprise spent a mindboggling Rs 30.40 Crores and bought Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shardul Thakur.

While they have addressed their middle order issue, they have also bolstered their bowling attack which is a bonus.

Daryl Mitchel is one of the costliest buys in the CSK’s auction buys. The Kiwi was roped in for a staggering Rs.14 crores for the IPL 2024 season.

Another surprising auction buy was picking up uncapped Sameer Rizvi for Rs. 8.40 Crores.  He is nicknamed right-handed Suresh Raina and has represented India at Under-19 level.

Let’s have a look at their strengths and possible weaknesses in the IPL 2024 Chennai Super Kings team.

The Positives

New Signings will give CSK the much-required strength. The Inclusion of Rachin Ravindra has already given dividends to CSK as the southpaw is now likely to replace an injured Devon Conway in the playing eleven.

Ruturaj Gaikwad came into the playing eleven as an injury replacement. He has been very consistent in the past few seasons and has emerged as CSK’s second-highest run-scorer.

Shivam Dubey played for team India recently during the Afghanistan T20 Series and displayed fine form with bat and ball. This Mumbai South Paw has improved his chances of being a perfect replacement for the fragile Hardik Pandya in the national side for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Shivam Dubey’s transformation has to be credited to him playing under MSD.

Shardul Thakur with a brilliant Ranji season behind him, comes into his new franchise with form. He will give great balance to the team.

Ravindra Jadeja gives CSK the luxury to play an extra bowler or batsman in the playing eleven. Among the top wicket-takers in the 2023 season, he won the Indian Premier League finals of the 2023 championship for CSK with a 6 and a 4 in the last two deliveries of the match. He snatched victory from the defending champions Gujarat Titans. He is expected to be the MVP for CSK for IPL 2024 season too.

The Negatives

Ajinkya Rahane who played like a dream in the last season of the IPL is currently struggling for form this year. While his Mumbai Ranji Team has made it to the finals of the Ranji Trophy tournament, Ajinkya Rahane is desperately out of form and looks just a shadow of his past.

The absence of Devon Conway would hurt CSK as he was one of the most consistent batsmen in the team and more often than not gave the team a steady start.

Deepak Chahar, who was CSK’s go-to bowler came into the last season after a long layoff due to injury. He did not have a great Indian Premier League 2023 season and would be a nervous starter.

Maheesh Theekshana has not been in good form and had an average cricket season this year coming into the IPL 2024. He is the first spinner choice which has kept Mitchel Santner out of the playing eleven. Santner is arguably one of the best T20 international spinners but have to warm the benches for now.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni does not play any domestic cricket after his retirement and participates only in the IPL. He is now a very reluctant batsman and tends to delay coming into bat and sometimes bats as low as 8 or 9. This issue becomes glaring when the top and middle order fails.

The bowling will be led by the Sri Lankan Matheesha Pathirana. He is not yet a regular in the Sri Lankan national team and his match fitness would be in question. Except for the Sri Lankan, CSK lacks genuine pace in the squad.

SuperSports360 View

As mentioned earlier, CSK puts a lot of emphasis on the balance of the team. They play in the low and slow Chidambaram Stadium in the initial half of the tournament which helps their slow-ball bowlers. When they travel for away matches, the pitches are already tired which again helps their style of play.

IPL 2024 Chennai Super Kings Team has a great chance of defending their Indian Premier League title in 2024. Their new signings have strengthened their team and improved their team composition with a mix of experienced and new talents.

The Only concern will be match fitness of their playing eleven which looks rusty.

SuperSports 360 Prediction:

Chennai Super Kings have a 70% chance to defend their title and win the IPL Title 2024

Also Read:

Mumbai Indians | A Serious IPL 2024 Contender but may lose their MVP in the next season

Top Players Who Rocked the IPL 2024 Auction Table

FAQ

• When is the IPL 2024 season beginning?

The IPL 2024 season will begin from 22 March onwards

• List CSK full squad IPL 2024