Aakash Chopra thinks that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have a stronger position compared to the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). This is his view as we approach the IPL 2024 auction.
Ben Stokes and Ambati Rayudu, two expensive players for the Chennai-based team, were released before to the auction; the former withdrew and the latter retired following his team’s championship success the previous season. With ₹31.40 crore in their bank account, they may sign up a maximum of six players, three of whom must be foreigners.
Aakash Chopra was asked to rank CSK, MI, and RCB ahead of the auction in a video posted to his YouTube account, and he responded:
“I feel Chennai are the best placed. They were last season’s champions. They have a lot of money and they don’t need to buy too many players. Ben Stokes and Ambati Rayudu left and suddenly you got a lot of money available.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener added:
“Mukesh Choudhary is back available again. They can buy whoever they want because they have a lot of money. The team is looking extremely strong. I feel they will look towards one or two Indian batters. They might take Shahrukh Khan, Manish Pandey or Karun Nair.”
Aakash Chopra
The Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants all released Shahrukh Khan, Manish Pandey, and Karun Nair as part of their retention process. CSK may consider selecting Shahrukh to bring some local flavor to their lineup.
Aakash Chopra hails MS Dhoni as CSK’s biggest strength as a player and a leader
Aakash Chopra emphasized that MS Dhoni is one of CSK’s most valuable assets. He elaborated:
“Then they will need some fast bowlers. They will get that. In any case, you say about Dhoni – ‘Want to become a batter or a bowler, I will get that done’. He is an amazing player and a fantastic captain.”
Aakash Chopra
On the other hand, the cricketer-turned-commentator believes that RCB and MI have certain gaps to fill and may not have an adequate money. He stated:
“So, in my opinion, Chennai are better placed than the others because both RCB and MI have to do shopping, especially in the bowling department, and they don’t have as much money as they should have had. They could have had more money, but unfortunately, they don’t.”
Aakash Chopra
MI has a budget of 17.75 crore for the auction and may acquire up to eight players, including four foreigners. RCB have a budget of 23.25 crore and require six players, including three foreigners, to form a full-strength 25-man roster.