CSK Vs MI Vs RCB - Which Team Has The Best Top 3 For IPL 2024?

image-lrow14d3RCB & MI Top-Order Stars (X.com)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) tentatively schedules the kickoff of the highly anticipated 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) on March 22, with the tournament likely concluding on May 26. As the excitement builds for IPL 2024, OneCricket is diving into the strategic side of the game, focusing on the top three batting orders of the most renowned teams in IPL history—Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

For die-hard IPL fans, the burning question is: which team boasts the most formidable top three in their batting line up? Keep reading as we delve into the stats and strategies of CSK, MI, and RCB to uncover the mystery of the best opening trio in the batting order.


Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

According to our forecast, Chennai Super Kings' top three batters are set to feature Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad as the opening pair, with Ajinkya Rahane holding the key at number three.

 Devon Conway

Devon Conway is set to be the Chennai Super Kings' go-to man for explosive starts in IPL 2024. After a stellar performance in the previous season, where he played a pivotal role in CSK's fifth title win, Conway emerged as the third-highest run-scorer with 672 runs in 16 matches. Despite a tough T20I run in 2023, scoring 78 runs in six matches at a slow strike rate, the 33-year-old left-hander aims to bounce back and meet high expectations from CSK fans. 

In his IPL career spanning 23 matches, Conway has notched up 924 runs, boasting an impressive average of 48.63, including 9 half-centuries, 99 fours, and 30 sixes, with a striking strike rate of 141.28.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad truly shone in the CSK colours during the 2023 season, amassing an impressive 590 runs in 16 matches with a stellar strike rate of 147.50. As the second-highest run-scorer for Chennai, he formed a solid partnership with his Kiwi opening mate. Beyond the IPL, the 27-year-old showcased his leadership prowess by guiding India to a gold medal in the 2022 Asian Games, fueling speculation that he could be the future successor to MS Dhoni. 

With 52 IPL matches under his belt, Ruturaj has accumulated 1797 runs at an average of 39.07, including one century, 14 half-centuries, 159 fours, and 73 sixes.

Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane dazzled with the bat in the 2023 IPL, amassing 326 runs in 14 matches at a stunning strike rate of 172.48, securing his spot for the upcoming season. With such impressive numbers, Captain Dhoni may entrust Rahane with a top-order role in CSK's line-up for the 2024 season. 

In his extensive IPL career of 172 matches, Rahane has notched up 4400 runs at an average of 30.99, featuring 2 centuries, 30 half-centuries, and a striking collection of 455 fours and 96 sixes.

With the dynamic opening pair of Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad, complemented by the experienced Ajinkya Rahane. With Conway's explosive starts, Gaikwad's solid performances, and Rahane's consistency, CSK's top order appears formidable. They earn a solid 8 out of 10.


Mumbai Indians (MI)

As per our forecast, expect the duo of Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan to lead the charge as openers for Mumbai Indians, with the stylish Surya Kumar Yadav set to shine at the number 3 spot in the upcoming IPL.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, absent as captain for the first time in 11 years, faces a crucial IPL 2024. Struggling in the last two seasons, the veteran must rediscover his form to secure his place in the league. 

With 243 IPL matches under his belt, Rohit has amassed 6211 runs, including one century and 42 half-centuries, with a strike rate of 130.05.

Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan faced a bumpy start in the 2023 IPL but found his groove, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer with 454 runs in 16 matches. In the upcoming season, the left-hander aims to unleash his aggression in the powerplay overs, striving to provide explosive starts. 

With a total of 91 IPL matches, Kishan has accumulated 2324 runs at an average of 29.42, including 15 half-centuries, accompanied by 220 fours and 103 sixes, showcasing a formidable strike rate of 134.26.

Surya Kumar Yadav

Surya Kumar Yadav stands out as Mumbai's reliable player, backed by his impressive batting stats. In the 2023 season, he amassed 605 runs in 16 matches with a remarkable strike rate of 181.13, emerging as the team's top performer. 

As the 33-year-old enters the 2024 season, expectations are high from this consistent star batter, who boasts 139 IPL matches, 3249 runs, including one century and 21 half-centuries, along with 349 fours and 112 sixes at an impressive strike rate of 143.32.

Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan as openers, backed by the stylish Surya Kumar Yadav at number 3, bring a mix of experience and aggression. Rohit's form is crucial, while Kishan's power-hitting and Yadav's consistent performances make MI's top three a balanced unit. They earn a commendable 7.5 out of 10.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

In our forecast, the explosive duo of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis leading the charge as openers for RCB, with the dynamic Glenn Maxwell set to dazzle at the number 3 position in the upcoming IPL.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli's stellar performance in the 2023 IPL, where he scored 639 runs in 14 matches, makes RCB fans hopeful for another outstanding season in 2024. As the team's oldest stalwart since 2008, Kohli aims to fulfill fans' dreams of an IPL trophy with his remarkable batting, having played 237 matches and accumulating 7263 runs, including 7 centuries and 50 half-centuries, with an impressive strike rate of 130.02.

Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis dazzled in the last IPL, amassing 730 runs at a stunning strike rate of 153.68, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer for Bangalore. Despite his remarkable performances, the team missed the playoffs. 

The Protea veteran, determined to bounce back, aims to contribute effectively in 2024 and lead the team to its first IPL trophy. With 130 matches, Faf boasts 4133 runs, including 33 half-centuries, and a dynamic strike rate of 134.14.

Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell's versatile skills make him a crucial asset for Bangalore. In the upcoming IPL 2024, expect him to play a pivotal role with explosive batting in the top order and contribute with wickets through his off-spin bowling in the crucial middle overs. 

With 124 IPL matches, Maxwell has scored 2719 runs, including 18 half-centuries, showcasing his impactful style with a strike rate of 157.62.

Royal Challengers Bangalore, With Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis as openers and the versatile Glenn Maxwell at number 3, showcase a formidable top order. Kohli's stellar form, du Plessis' IPL brilliance, and Maxwell's all-round skills provide a well-rounded top-order. They earn an impressive 8.5 out of 10.

After digging into the stats and recent performances, OneCricket concludes that, though every team has its strengths, Royal Challengers Bangalore's mix of experience, recent form, and versatility gives them a slight edge in the top three batters.