Indian cricket fans eagerly anticipate the return of the thrilling Indian Premier League 2024, set to begin on March 22. The opening match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore promises an exciting start to the tournament. Cricket enthusiasts are gearing up to witness the intense battle between these two teams, marking the beginning of what promises to be another exhilarating summer of cricket entertainment.
In the first match, Chennai Super Kings will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their den, Chepauk Stadium. They are going to get the home support in their very first match. They have an interesting squad so they may have named an interesting playing XI in the first match. In this article, we will discuss, CSK’s probable playing XI for the first match.
Rachin Ravindra:
Before the season starts, Devon Conway has been ruled out due to an injury. Another Kiwi, Rachin Ravindra was already there in CSK;’s squad. The youngster is enormously talented and recently performed well on Indian soil. His impressive performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, scoring 565 runs in 9 matches, highlights his ability on the big stage. With a T20 international record of 214 runs in 18 innings, Ravindra’s consistency and adaptability make him a key player in CSK’s quest for success in IPL 2024.
Ruturaj Gaikwad:
Ruturaj Gaikwad is a seasoned opening batter for CSK. Over the years, he has been a strong player in the opening position. He continued good form in the past years. CSK relies on the young batting sensation Gaikwad to initiate their innings with graceful stroke play and steady presence at the top. His talent in building partnerships and stabilizing the innings is crucial for CSK to set imposing totals. Gaikwad’s impressive performance last season, scoring 590 runs, and his overall contribution of 1797 runs in 51 innings underscores his importance in CSK’s success.
Shivam Dube:
Shivam Dube is a standout performer of CSK. Over a few years, he has become an asset to the franchise. He performed exceptionally well in the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai. His form can be a big asset. He plays a vital role in CSK’s middle order with his explosive batting and knack for key breakthroughs. His ability to accelerate the run rate and take crucial wickets is essential for IPL 2024. Dube’s performance last season was crucial, scoring 411 runs in 16 matches with 3 fifties and 35 sixes. With 1099 runs in 51 games, he brings valuable experience and firepower to CSK’s campaign, earning a recall to the Indian T20I side.
Ajinkya Rahane:
Ajiyanka Rahane is a standout name in the Indian team. He has been a responsible batter of the middle order for a long time. Coming to IPL, he is a strong base of the franchise. Ajinkya Rahane’s experience and stability bolster CSK’s batting lineup. He can anchor innings or accelerate as needed, showcased by his 326 runs in 14 matches last season at a strike rate of 172. With 4400 runs in 172 games, Rahane’s adaptability enhances CSK’s batting options in IPL 2024. Despite recent struggles in domestic cricket, his impactful performances for CSK earned him a recall to the XI for the WTC final, highlighting his importance.
Moeen Ali:
Moeen Ali is a big name in the English cricket. The all-rounder is enormously talented. Moeen Ali’s versatile skills bring a unique strength to CSK’s team. Renowned for his off-spin bowling and powerful batting, Ali is a key player in IPL 2024. With 1034 runs in 59 IPL matches, he consistently contributes with both bat and ball, adding significant value to CSK’s squad. His ability to take quick wickets and score crucial runs makes him an invaluable asset for the team, enhancing their chances of success in the tournament.
Ravindra Jadeja:
Ravindra Jadeja is a match-winner of Indian cricket. Over many years, he has been associated with the Chennai Super Kings. In the last year, he was the hero of CSK’s fifth title win. Beyond statistics, Jadeja’s impact is immense, with 2692 runs and 152 wickets in 226 matches. His dynamic fielding, accurate spin bowling, and explosive batting make him a game-changer, embodying the essence of CSK’s spirit and contributing significantly to their success.
MS Dhoni:
This name doesn’t need any introduction. Best finisher, excellent wicketkeeper, and many other adjectives will fall short after this legend’s name. Since 2008, Dhoni has led the franchise and won five titles for them. With 5082 runs in 250 matches, he’s not just a player but the backbone of CSK. Renowned for his composure as a wicketkeeper and ability to finish matches with the bat, Dhoni epitomizes consistency and resilience. His presence on the field instills confidence in the team, making him an irreplaceable asset and a driving force behind CSK’s campaign in the tournament.
Deepak Chahar:
Deepak Chahar is one of the main faces of CSK’s bowling unit. Deepak Chahar has been a key player for CSK since 2018, especially in the powerplay overs. His ability to swing the new ball and take early wickets gives CSK an important advantage. With 72 wickets in 73 matches, Chahar’s skill in taking wickets at crucial times and keeping the opposition’s scoring rate in check makes him a valuable asset for CSK. Last season, he took 13 wickets in 10 matches, highlighting his importance as one of IPL’s top seamers. His mighty presence in the playing XI can be beneficial.
MaheeshTheekshana:
Maheesh Theekshana has been a big name in CSK’s squad for the last two years. The addition of Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana strengthens CSK’s spin department. With 23 wickets in 22 matches, Theekshana’s unique bowling style and ability to confuse batsmen with his mystery spin could turn the game in CSK’s favor. His contributions, including 12 and 11 wickets in IPL 2022 and 2023 respectively, were vital to CSK’s title win in 2023. Theekshana’s presence brings depth and unpredictability to CSK’s bowling, giving them an advantage in crucial game situations.
Shardul Thakur:
In the 2023 IPL auction, Shardul Thakur was back in the CSK squad. He is a key bowler of the squad. Recently, he is in good form. Thakur returned to CSK for IPL 2024 for 4 crores. CSK management is glad to have him back for his all-round abilities. Thakur batting at number nine strengthens CSK’s batting order. He recently scored a century in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Tamil Nadu. In IPL 2023, he took 11 wickets in 21 matches with an average of 31.43 and an economy rate of 10.48. Overall, he has taken 89 wickets in 86 IPL matches with an average of 28.76.
Mathisha Pathirana:
Pathirana completes CSK’s likely playing XI for IPL 2024. Last season, he took 20 wickets for CSK but hasn’t played much international cricket recently, except in the T20I series against Bangladesh. In IPL 2023, he played 12 matches, taking 19 wickets with an average of 19.53. In IPL 2022, he played 2 matches, taking 2 wickets with an average of 26.00. Overall, he has taken 21 wickets in 14 IPL matches with an average of 20.14.
Impact Player:
Tushar Deshpande/ Sameer Rizvi:
The impact player is a new concept in the tournament. In the 2023 IPL, the cricket world was introduced with this new rule. For the first match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Tushar Deshpande or Sameer Rizvi can be an impact player. Deshpande’s aggressive bowling style and knack for unsettling batsmen make him a bright prospect for CSK in IPL 2024. With 25 wickets in 23 matches and 21 wickets last season, he emerged as CSK’s top wicket-taker. Deshpande has already proven his ability to make a significant impact on the team’s success.
On the other hand, if it is Sameer Rizvi, then it will be another kind of asset. CSK management invested heavily, spending 8.40 crore. Sameer Rizvi showcased his talent playing for the UP Ranji Trophy team and Colonel CK Nayudu Trophy, notably scoring a triple century against Saurashtra. Despite his young age, he has played 11 List A matches, scoring 205 runs with an average of 29.28. Depending on his stats, he can be a a great option for the impact player role.
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