After clinching the title in 2023, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings endured a disappointing campaign last season by their high standards, failing to qualify for the playoffs due to Net Run Rate . CSK began the season on a strong note, securing victories in four of their first six matches. However, their form dipped significantly in the latter half, managing just three wins in their final eight games. A major factor behind their struggles was their underwhelming performances in away fixtures, where they managed to win only two out of seven matches.
Squad
Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), MS Dhoni (wk) , Ravindra Jadeja ,Vijay Shankar , Shivam Dube , Rachin Ravindra , Ravichandran Ashwin, Devon Conway , Noor Ahmad , Khaleel Ahmad , Matheesha Pathirana , Nathan Ellis ,Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda , Sam Curran , Jamie Overton , Mukesh Choudhry , Sheryas Gopal , Sheikh Rasheed ,Anshul Kamboj , Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Vansh Bedi (wk) , Andre Siddarth , Ramkrishna Gosh , Gurjanpreet Singh
Probable XI
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
- Rachin Ravindra
- Rahul Tripathi
- Shivam Dube
- Deepak Hooda
- Sam Curran
- MS Dhoni (WK)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Noor Ahmad
- Mathesha Pathira
- Impact player:Khaleel Ahmad
Key Players
Ruturaj Gaikwad
The Chennai Super Kings will rely on their captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, to lead by example, as he has done consistently over the past few seasons. He has been remarkably dependable at the top of the order, providing explosive starts within the powerplay.
Over the last two seasons, Gaikwad has amassed 1,173 runs at a stellar average of 46.9 and an impressive strike rate of 144.3, cementing his reputation as a linchpin of the batting lineup.
Shivam Dube
Before joining Chennai Super Kings, Shivam Dube struggled to make a significant impact, managing just 399 runs at a modest average of 22.17 and a strike rate of 120.54.
However, his stint with CSK has sparked a remarkable career resurgence. Since joining the franchise, he has amassed 1,103 runs at an impressive average of 34.5 and an outstanding strike rate of 159.2.
More significantly, Dube has emerged as one of the premier players of spin in the IPL over the last two seasons. He has accumulated 296 runs against spin at a blistering strike rate of 170.11—second only to Heinrich Klaasen in terms of runs scored at a superior strike rate.
Strength:
Spin bowling
With the blend of quality, experience, and variety in the spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad, it is fair to assert that Chennai Super Kings boast the most formidable spin attack in the tournament.
Complementing this core, they also have reliable part-time options in Rachin Ravindra and Deepak Hooda, adding further depth to their spin arsenal. With half of their fixtures set to be played at their spin-friendly home venue, CSK’s bowling strength will undoubtedly revolve around their spinners, making them a formidable force in the tournament.
Batting depth
Chennai Super Kings possess remarkable batting depth, with Ravichandran Ashwin slated to bat at No. 9—despite featuring as high as No. 7 in the past couple of seasons. This deep lineup provides them with immense flexibility, allowing their power-hitters to play with greater freedom while ensuring stability lower down the order.
Weaknesses
Lack of good finishers
CSK’s lower-order batting features several players who prefer to settle in before accelerating, which could pose challenges in the death overs. With an aging MS Dhoni and the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin not being explosive hitters of pace from the outset, the team might struggle to maximize their scoring potential in the final stages of the innings.
This could leave them vulnerable against high-quality death bowling, making it crucial for their top and middle order to set a strong platform.
Death bowling
Despite the presence of Mathesha Pathirana—one of the premier death bowlers in the IPL over the past couple of seasons—CSK’s death bowling remains a concern. Their other pace options, Sam Curran and Khaleel Ahmed, have struggled in the latter stages of the innings, proving to be expensive at the death.
Last season, Curran conceded runs at an economy rate of 13.00, while Khaleel was only marginally better at 12.18 RPO. This vulnerability could put additional pressure on Pathirana to deliver consistently, making CSK’s death bowling a potential weak link in crunch situations.
Fixtures
23 March : CSK vs MI
28 March : CSK vs RCB
30 March : RR vs CSK
5 April : CSK vs DC
8 April : PBKS vs CSK
11 April : CSK vs KKR
14 April : LSG vs CSK
20 April : MI vs CSK
25 April : CSK vs SRH
30 April : CSK vs PBKS
3 May : RCB vs CSK
7 May : KKR vs CSK
12 May : CSK vs RR
18 May : GT vs CSK
In conclusion, CSK boast a well-rounded bowling attack, particularly excelling in new-ball bowling and spin. While concerns persist regarding their ability to close out games—both with the bat and ball—their overall squad strength makes them a formidable unit. On paper, they remain one of the strongest contenders for a playoff spot this season, backed by a balanced combination of experience and proven match-winners.
