The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are preparing for what promises to be a difficult championship defence in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL).
With MS Dhoni playing in what would most likely be his final season, the Men in Yellow will hope to have enough experience and quality in their ranks to enable their captain retire on top. There’s also the extra incentive of defeating the Mumbai Indians (MI) and becoming the only side to win six IPL titles.
However, the Chennai Super Kings will face difficult challenges. Certain elements have already worked against them, and as the field becomes more competitive each year, there are issues they must address before attempting to go all the way.
Here are three pressing concerns for Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2024.
1. The Chennai Super Kingss Suffer from Numerous Injuries and Absences
Before heading into IPL 2024, CSK’s players have been in the back of the court with a load of injuries and related problems. Injury troubles struck during Sri Lanka’s T20I campaign against Bangladesh. Matheesha Pathirana sustained a hamstring strain. His participation early this season remains uncertain. Mustafizur Rahman encountered severe cramps, requiring him to be carried off. Though expected to recover, the incident likely drained him.
Shivam Dube has been out of play since suffering a side injury during the Ranji Trophy. Meanwhile, Devon Conway had been ruled out for much of the IPL after suffering a thumb injury that necessitated surgery.
Last year, Pathirana, Dube, and Conway were crucial for CSK’s championship win. Their potential long absences would be sorely felt, creating big gaps. Mustafizur’s possible absence compounds the issue, making an already difficult situation even tougher.
2. Chennai Super Kings Middle Order Form Raises Doubts
Ajinkya Rahane had a terrible Ranji Trophy run, which was not mitigated by his half-century in the final. The Mumbai captain was hopelessly out of touch in the limited-overs competitions that preceded the flagship red-ball event as well.
Moeen Ali appears to be on the slide, but Sameer Rizvi is nearing the conclusion of his career and will most likely need some time to adjust to the IPL level. Along with Rahane, the two may not be at their best in the 2024 edition, making Ambati Rayudu’s retirement more clear.
Another issue about CSK’s XII is that Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni may have to bat at Nos. 6 and 7, respectively, in Rayudu’s absence. Their performance against spin has deteriorated, and having them play fast near the end will be the team’s best shot for victory.
3. Chennai Super Kings lack quality death bowling
Aside from Pathirana, who has quickly become one of the world’s top death bowlers, Chennai Super Kings is dreadfully understaffed in that department.
Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Mukesh Choudhary, and Tushar Deshpande, Chennai’s Indian pacers, have all struggled at that point in the innings. And, with Maheesh Theekshana required in the other two parts of the innings, Pathirana – if fit – may be utterly alone at the death.
This has been an issue for a while, and the CSK think group has devised appropriate solutions. However, this is an evident issue that must be addressed promptly.
