IPL 2024
Possible playing XI for Chennai in the Indian T20 League 2023
Chennai is set to enter the 16th season of the Indian T20 League and will look to go for their fifth title after a disappointing performance in the last season where they finished in the second-last position. Mahendra Singh Dhoni has the captaincy role again and would look to guide his team to another title.
Chennai made some quality buys in the auction last December and would look to slot them into the line-up and make a team that can beat any other franchise on any pitch. They have a variety of options to choose from and will surely have a selection dilemma.
Here is a look at the possible playing XI for Chennai in the upcoming edition of the Indian T20 League:
Top order
Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is in fine form and had a great domestic season, particularly in limited-overs cricket, is at the top of the order with Kiwi batter Devon Conway, and CSK are comfortable with their opening hitters.
Ambati Rayudu, the former Indian middle-order batter, is likely to bat at No. 3 and provides a plethora of experience to this position. He is always a player the team can rely upon and scores runs when it matters the most for his franchise. His selection is all but likely for this season of the Indian T20 League.
2) Middle Order
With the bat, Stokes will be anticipated to take on the enforcer role, while his involvement with the ball is going to rely on his level of fitness. It is reported that he is going to play the role of a specialist batter in the first few matches.
Shivam Dube will also be in the lineup after having a decent season with the Chennai squad last year. He scored important runs for the side and can provide some overs in the middle if needed, so he is a good option to have in the team.
3) Wicketkeeper and all-rounders
With Moeen Ali and former Chennai captain Ravindra Jadeja in their squad, the team balance is going to great. Ali and Jadeja are two of the best spin-bowling all-rounders in the game and can take the game away from the opposition with either bat or ball in their hand.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s batting position keeps tinkering but he is always someone the team can rely upon. If early wickets fall, he can dig the team out of the precarious situation and take the game forward. He is a great finisher and can finish the games off easily without having any pressure on him.
4) Bowlers
There can be a toss-up between Maheesh Theekshana and Mitchell Santner, Dhoni has a wide variety of spin bowling options to take advantage of the Chepauk conditions, which have historically suited slow bowlers.
Deepak Chahar will be in charge of the bowling attack as he appears to be fully healthy again. He will look to cause trouble to the batters with his swing and seam bowling in the powerplay overs.
Simarjit Singh is also likely to get an opportunity with Mukesh Chowdhury being on the sidelines and recovering from an injury. He will look to make a name for himself under MS Dhoni and might be a crucial bowler for the team as well.