Sunil Gavaskar anticipates that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will secure a playoff spot once more in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Having qualified for the knockout stages in 12 out of 14 IPL editions, the Chennai-based franchise, along with the Mumbai Indians (MI), holds the joint record for being the most successful teams in the tournament’s history, each boasting five titles.
In a conversation on Star Sports, Gavaskar was questioned about the Chennai Super Kings’ strength as they approach IPL 2024.
He replied: “If you see the purchases they did at the auction table, the aspects they had to strengthen, it seemed like they lacked a little in bowling last year and in batting also they had to strengthen the middle order slightly after Ambati Rayudu’s retirement, they have done all that. They have a good mix of youth and experience.”
“So I feel CSK will definitely come in the top four as always. You cannot say any team ‘definitely yes’ as favorites. However, the way the Chennai Super Kings have performed for so many years, they have qualified in 12 of the 16 editions. So it’s likely to happen for the 13th time,” the former India captain added.
CSK acquired Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and Mustafizur Rahman as their overseas selections during the auction. To reinforce their Indian contingent, they secured Shardul Thakur, Sameer Rizvi, and Avanish Rao Aravelly through the auction.
“I feel they are covered” – Sunil Gavaskar’s thoughts on whether CSK has enough backup players for injuries
Sunil Gavaskar was asked if Chennai Super Kings have enough replacements, given the tendency of players like Deepak Chahar, Matheesha Pathirana, and Mustafizur Rahman to be prone to injuries. He responded positively, explaining:
“I feel they are covered because they have options. Shardul Thakur getting reacquired has removed the concern slightly about whether Deepak Chahar will play the entire tournament because Shardul Thakur can take his place.”
The former cricketer, now a commentator, expressed the view that the team led by MS Dhoni will not face any problems in the seam-bowling department.
“Tushar Deshpande is extremely fit and Mukesh Choudhary, who didn’t play last year, was quite impressive when he played before that. So if his form remains good, they will not have any concerns about the new-ball bowling,” Gavaskar noted.
Tushar Deshpande emerged as CSK’s top wicket-taker in IPL 2023 with 21 dismissals. Alongside the addition of Shardul Thakur, the return of Mukesh Choudhary, who secured 16 dismissals in IPL 2022, will strengthen their seam-bowling options.
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