In the lead-up to the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) received a lot of attention, but there were few expectations. However, their early performances suggest that they may be a better team than anticipated. The effect player rule has paved the way for the schemes of the Men dressed in Yellow, who have turned in nice batting shows and fought at a surprisingly high level up to this point in the bowling division.
CSK are in the top half of the IPL 2023 points table with two wins from three matches and a respectable net run rate. However, before they can be considered legitimate contenders for the trophy, there is still some distance to travel. For CSK to be legitimate contenders in the IPL in 2023, here are three questions they need to answer.
3) When Maheesh Theekshana returns, who will take his place?
Maheesh Theekshana has joined the CSK squad ahead of their match against RR after completing his Sri Lankan tour. The spinner, who was arguably their best bowler the previous year, is likely to immediately join the playing XI.
However, who will Theekshana replace? In IPL 2023, the Super Kings have already used six international players, each with their own set of skills.
At the top, Devon Conway is a dependable presence. The CSK team relies heavily on Moeen Ali’s dynamic strokeplay and useful offspin, particularly at home. Ben Stokes is a match-winner on his day and was purchased at the auction for a significant sum.
Meanwhile, pace-bowling all-rounders Sisanda Magala and Dwaine Pretorius offer a lot throughout the innings. At last, Mitchell Santner is apparently the best left-arm spinner in the briefest configuration and has been superb in IPL 2023.
After adding Theekshana, CSK could become a formidable team if they can form their ideal overseas lineup.
2) Is Ben Stokes really necessary for CSK’s starting XI?
Ben Stirs up is a top notch all-design player, yet his T20 certifications are still begging to be proven wrong. The Englishman’s game is clearly lacking, and he may not be what CSK needs right now.
Both his bowling and his spin game are questionable for Stokes. As he continues to battle a knee injury, he has only bowled one over in IPL 2023, and he has also not made any significant batting contributions.
The Super Rulers could utilize Moeen, Santner, Theekshana and Conway as their essential abroad players. In the event that the circumstances don’t help turn, either Pretorius or Magala could supplant one of the twist bowling all-rounders, with CSK’s Indian speed bowling contingent being somewhat unpracticed.
1) How might CSK capitalize on Ravindra Jadeja?
Over the past two IPL seasons, Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling has improved dramatically. He used to be a bad T20 bowler who was inconsistent throughout the innings, but now he’s a cheap option who can also make some breakthroughs.
However, CSK are still not making full use of the all-rounder’s potential. So far in IPL 2023, Santner has been their primary left-arm spinner, so Jadeja’s role with the ball has been less important than his Kiwi counterpart’s.
The Indian all-rounder hasn’t had the option to have an effect with the bat all things considered. Due to his lack of spin, he has not been batting in the top five, and his pace-hitting has also not been at its best.