IPL 2023 – Chennai Super Kings Preview: Full Squad, Strength, Weakness, Schedule and more

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With four IPL titles to their name, they have consistently been one of the top-performing teams in the league. After a disappointing performance in IPL 2022, the Yellow Army made some significant changes to their squad ahead of IPL 2023.

Read: IPL 2023 Schedule Revealed: Date, Time, Fixtures, Teams, Venues and Other Key Details

Let’s take a closer look at what to expect from the team in the upcoming season: Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023

History

Chennai Super Kings is an IPL team based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The team was founded in 2008 and is owned by India Cements. CSK has won four IPL titles under the leadership of MS Dhoni, who was purchased for Rs 9.5 Crore in the inaugural auction. CSK’s success can be attributed to the partnership of Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming.

- Advertisement -

After losing the final in 2008 and the semi-final in 2009, CSK won back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011. They then faltered in the knockouts in the next four IPLs before being banned for two years due to a spot-fixing scandal. In 2018, CSK returned to the IPL and won their third title. In 2019, CSK lost to Mumbai Indians in a tense final by just one run. The next year, for the first time in history, CSK failed to make it to the playoffs in the UAE. However, they made a comeback in 2022 and defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in the final to win their fourth IPL title.

CSK has the highest win percentage of matches among all IPL teams, which is 58.98%. They have made the most appearances in playoffs (11) and have reached the most number of IPL finals (9). They have also won the Champions League T20 twice, in 2010 and 2014.

Full Squad

CSK retained 18 players for IPL 2023, including their iconic skipper MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Deepak Chahar. The franchise also brought in some exciting players like Ben Stokes and Ajinkya Rahane in the auction. However, Stokes’ replacement Sisanda Magala will be filling in for him after his unexpected retirement. In the released list, CSK lost Dwayne Bravo and Robin Uthappa, both of whom were vital cogs in their previous campaigns. While their bowling department seems to be well-balanced, the batting unit could face some issues with a lack of Indian top-order batsmen.

Full squad of Chennai Super Kings:

1. Stephen Fleming ( Head coach)
2. MS Dhoni (c) – Batsman/Wicket-keeper
3. Devon Conway – Batsman
4. Ruturaj Gaikwad – Batsman
5. Ambati Rayudu – Batsman/Wicket-keeper
6. Subhranshu Senapati – Batsman
7. Moeen Ali – All-Rounder
8. Shivam Dube – All-Rounder
9. Rajvardhan Hangargekar – Bowler
10. Dwaine Pretorius – All-Rounder
11. Mitchell Santner – Bowler
12. Ravindra Jadeja – All-Rounder
13. Tushar Deshpande – Bowler
14. Mukesh Chowdhary – Bowler
15. Matheesha Pathirana – Bowler
16. Simarjeet Singh – Bowler
17. Deepak Chahar – Bowler
18. Prashant Solanki – Bowler
19. Maheesh Theekshana – Bowler
20. Ajinkya Rahane – Batsman
21. Ben Stokes – All-Rounder
22. Shaik Rasheed – Batsman
23. Nishant Sindhu – All-Rounder
24. Sisanda Magala – Bowler
25. Ajay Mandal – All-Rounder
26. Bhagath Varma – All-Rounder

A first person account of the Yellove anointing! 💛
Watch Rasheed, Nishant and Ajay for the #FirstTimeInYellove #WhistlePodu 🦁

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 25, 2023

- Advertisement -

Here is their strongest XI:

• Devon Conway
• Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Ben Stokes
• Ambati Rayudu
• Shivam Dube
• Moeen Ali
• MS Dhoni (C)
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Deepak Chahar
• Maheesh Theekshana
• Mukesh Choudhary

X-Factor

Hayden’s opinion about Ben Stokes could be significant for CSK as Stokes is known for his match-winning performances in the international arena. However, his performances in the IPL have not been up to the mark, and he will be looking to change that with CSK this season. Stokes’ all-around abilities with both bat and ball make him a valuable addition to the CSK squad.

Strengths

CSK’s biggest strength is their all-rounders. With Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shivam Dube, they have some of the best all-rounders in the world. The team can manage to have 7 bowling options on any given day, even when playing with only 4 bowlers. These players are electric on the field and are great athletes, which ensures that the team is always on top of its game. The experience of MS Dhoni, along with his tactical acumen, has been a key reason for CSK’s success over the years.

Weaknesses

One of CSK’s major weaknesses is their over-dependence on their top-order batsmen. In the previous season, the middle-order failed to capitalize on the good starts given by the openers, leading to some embarrassing losses. The team management has addressed this issue to some extent by bringing in some quality middle-order batsmen in the auction. Another concern for the team could be their spin bowling department, as they lack a quality spinner apart from Ravindra Jadeja.

Form

CSK had a forgettable outing in IPL 2022, finishing at the bottom of the points table with just eight points. However, the team showed some glimpses of their old form towards the end of the tournament, which they will be hoping to carry forward into the upcoming season. The team has been preparing well ahead of the new season, with MS Dhoni and other key players already training in Chennai.

Chances of Winning

Despite their poor showing in the previous season, CSK will still be one of the favourites to win the IPL in 2023. With the changes made to their squad and the return of some key players, they will be aiming to lift their fifth IPL title. However, their over-reliance on their top-order batsmen and a lack of quality spinners could hurt their chances. The team will need to play to their strengths and address their weaknesses to make a real challenge for the trophy.

CSK’s IPL 2023 Schedule

CSK will play their opening match of the season against defending champions Gujarat Titans on March 31.

Here’s the complete list of their fixtures for the season:

CSK will be aiming to bounce back in IPL 2023 after their dismal performance in the previous season. The franchise has made some smart moves in the auction, bringing in some quality players to strengthen their squad. Their all-rounders and experience in the form of MS Dhoni will be their biggest strengths. However, their over-reliance on their top-order batsmen and lack of quality spinners could hurt their chances. CSK will need to play to their strengths and address their weaknesses to make a real challenge for the trophy. With the tournament set to begin on March 26, the Yellow Army will be raring to go and make its mark in IPL 2023!

Read more:

• IPL 2023 – Delhi Capitals Preview: Full Squad, Strength, Weakness, Schedule and more
• IPL 2023 – Gujarat Titans Preview: Full Squad, Strength, Weakness, Schedule and more
• IPL 2023 – Kolkata Knight Riders Preview: Full Squad, Strength, Weakness, Schedule and more
• IPL 2023 – Lucknow Super Giants Preview: Full Squad, Strength, Weakness, Schedule and more
• IPL 2023 – Mumbai Indians Preview: Full Squad, Strength, Weakness, Schedule and more
• IPL 2023 – Punjab Kings Preview: Full Squad, Strength, Weakness, Schedule and more
• IPL 2023 – Rajasthan Royals Preview: Full Squad, Strength, Weakness, Schedule and more
• IPL 2023 – Royal Challengers Bangalore Preview: Full Squad, Strength, Weakness, Schedule and more
• IPL 2023 – Sunrisers Hyderabad Preview: Full Squad, Strength, Weakness, Schedule and more