Predicted XI of Chennai Super Kings for Game 24 of IPL 2023 

image-lgj7q0fdChennai Super Kings lost their previous match against Rajasthan Royals by three runs (Source: iplt20.com)

In a topsy-turvy start, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have won two and lost as many games in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 so far.

The MS Dhoni-led side were defeated in a close encounter versus Rajasthan Royals. An overall disappointing batting performance, barring the slog over fireworks by MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, pushed them to a three-run loss.

Plagued with injuries, the four-time IPL champions take the field tomorrow against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Let us predict CSK's starting XI for their upcoming match.

Openers: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway 

Chennai Super Kings have found an ideal opening pair in the form of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway. While the India batter is in the orange cap race, scoring 197 runs in four matches so far, the Kiwi is slowly finding his way back to good form. He scored a fifty in CSK's previous match, although played at a strike-rate of around 131.

Middle-order: Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu* 

Ajinkya Rahane's entry in the XI has added weight to CSK's otherwise thin-looking middle-order. He is batting at number three and has already made a solid impact for the franchise.

Shivam Dube has been coming in at number four in the previous two games for the Super Kings. However, he has flattered to deceive. Chennai can even drop him and add Ambati Rayudu, who is being used as an Impact Player, in the starting XI. If Dube retains his place, Rayudu will again be subbed in case CSK bat in the second innings.

CSK's skipper has been rewinding the clock in IPL 2023. Dhoni has been finishing the innings on a high for his team, but is not leaving too many deliveries reserved for himself as more often than not, he bats at number eight.

All-rounders: Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja 

The all-rounders of CSK, namely Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja, have been doing a fairly good job with the ball. Though their batting form is a worry. Although Jadeja fared well with the bat against Rajasthan, his 15-ball innings contained a lengthy struggle versus the spinners.

Bowlers: Akash Singh, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande* 

With Sisanda Magala injured, CSK have two options in the form of Matheesha Pathirana and Dwaine Pretorius to pick from. The Sri Lanka pacer is available for selection and will most probably make the XI.

Akash Singh, who debuted in the previous fixture only, had a decent game and is likely to continue. Despite not doing well in his maiden IPL 2023 outing, CSK's premier spinner Maheesh Theekshana is a certainty in the XI.

If Chennai bowl second, Tushar Deshpande can be their Impact Player.

Impact Players 

  • Mitchell Santner 
  • Shaik Rasheed 
  • Subhranshu Senapati 
  • Rajvardhan Hangargekar 
  • Ambati Rayudu/Tushar Deshpande