IPL 2024 CSK Preview: Check Chennai Super Kings players list, probable XI, matches, schedule

As the Chennai Super Kings get set to start yet another IPL season under MS Dhoni, a fairy tale ending is what the franchise would be looking at, as it may well be the last time MS Dhoni plays in the IPL.

From stadiums covered in yellow no matter where CSK play, to people eagerly waiting for the IPL to start, not to see their favourite team compete but to watch Dhoni pick up the bat once again, all eyes will be on the Yellow brigade.

However, it may not be an easy season for CSK. Injuries to Devon Conway and new recruit Mustafizur Rahman are a cause of concern. Moreover, Ajinkya Rahane’s poor form in domestic cricket has made matters worse.

Nevertheless, Chennai has a lot of firepower to overcome these challenges. In all likelihood, Rachin Ravindra is likely to open the batting with Ruturaj Gaikwad.

After a successful IPL last year, Shivam Dube has grown as a batter while regularly playing T20Is for India and may prove to be their x-factor.

STRENGTH

CSK's biggest strength is their all-rounders. Apart from Moeen Ali and Dube himself, Ravindra Jadeja has bailed Chennai out of trouble more often than not.

The 5-time IPL champions will also be bolstered by the return of Deepak Chahar. CSK bought back Shardul Thakur in the IPL 2024 Auction who is likely to bat as low as number 10.

WEAKNESS

The lack of quality fast bowling might be a concern for CSK. With Mustafizur still not fully fit, the responsibility of the pace department will fall on Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar and Mukesh Choudhary's shoulders.

CSK Schedule for IPL Phase 1

March 22: CSK vs RCB (Chennai) - 8:00 PM IST
March 26: CSK vs GT (Chennai) - 7:30 PM IST
March 31: CSK vs DC (Visakhapatnam) - 7:30 PM IST
April 5: CSK vs SRH (Hyderabad) - 7:30 PM IST

Predicted XI:

Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Daryl Mitchell, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (c) (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Mukesh Choudhary

CSK full squad for IPL 2024:

MS Dhoni (c), Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajay Mandal, Mukesh Choudhary, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Mitchell Santner, Simarjeet Singh, Nishant Sindhu, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman, Avanish Rao Aravelly.