One of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League with four titles to their name, Chennai Super Kings had a season to forget in 2022. They finished ninth out of the ten teams, avoiding the wooden spoon thanks to their superior net run-rate.
It was a squad full of experience but perhaps one that lacked a fresh approach. It did not help, of course, that one of their key players in Deepak Chahar was unavailable.
Their business in the 2023 auction was inauspicious but they will welcome Chahar back almost as a 'new signing'. Talisman Ravidra Jadeja also missed four matches in 2022 which was a blow to their hopes.
Chennai Super Kings IPL 2022 performance
It really was a poor season compared to the Super Kings' proud history and standards, with the men in yellow winning just four matches out of 14. It was a lean season with the bat, with only the talented Ruturaj Gaikwad passing 300 runs for the season. There was some sort of consistency, with Devon Conway, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Shivam Dube, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali and Robin Uthappa all passing 200 runs. That was generally, though, not enough with at least two of those probably required to make another 100 each.
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| Ruturaj Gaikwad was the main man in terms of run-scoring for CSK in IPL 2022 [CREDIT: IPLT20] |
CSK also did not have a consistently settled bowling lineup, with only Mukesh Choudhary playing more than ten matches. He was joined by Dwayne Bravo at the top of the Super Kings' wickets list with 16, with Sri Lanka international Maheesh Theekshana impressing with 12 wickets, the only other to reach double figures.
What squad changes have Chennai Super Kings made via the IPL auction?
The IPL's leading wicket-taker, Bravo, was not retained as CSK ended their legendary connection with the West Indian; he has instead moved into a role as the Super Kings' bowling coach. Uthappa was another IPL legend to be moved on, as well as experienced overseas duo Adam Milne and Chris Jordan. Narayan Jagadeesan was also released, before scoring a record-breaking 277 in a List A game just a week later amid a stunning run of form in the 50-over format.
Of course, the big news from the Super Kings in the 2023 auction was the huge purchase of England Test captain Ben Stokes. He was the most significant bit of business for CSK by a distance and will bring incredible winning mentality, quality and experience to a team that is known for all three. Chennai also added India international Ajinkya Rahane for just £50,000 and Sisanda Magala, who impressed in the SA20, has recently replaced Kiwi Kyle Jamieson.Embed from Getty Images
How is the squad shaping up ahead of the start of IPL 2023?
Potential starting XI:;Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Deepak Chahar, Mitchell Santner, Maheesh Theekshana, Mukesh Choudhary
The middle order of the Super Kings looks potentially devastating as well as balanced. There are, though, a rare amount of left-handed options throughout. That may mean Rayudu will have a key part to play in the middle. Stokes, as a result, could well open with Gaikwad as a direct replacement to Devon Conway.
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| The return of Deepak Chahar will boost CSK's danger bowling in the powerplay [CREDIT: IPLT20] |
The return of Chahar will give Chennai some extra penetration during the powerplay overs and hitting ability down the order. Santner and Theekshana can link up with Moeen and Jadeja in the spin department, one that could be particularly prevalent at the typically spin-friendly pitches at Chennai. Magala may come in for Santner depending on conditions at other venues.
Broadly, it may be a similar-looking XI to last season, with Chahar back in and Stokes likely replacing Conway at the top of the order. Choudhary, though, looks set to be unavailable for the first part of the IPL at least so someone like Simarjeet Singh may come in. Rajvardhan Hangargekar has a lot of potential and may well get some matches to show his talents.
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