IPL 2023: Strongest Playing 11 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

MS Dhoni to continue to lead as we look at the strongest predicted playing 11 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2023.

We are into the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League, and one team that attracts one of the biggest fan followings in IPL is the Chennai Super Kings. One of the most consistent teams in the history of IPL, CSK have won the IPL 4 times, while ending up as runners-up 5 times. They have also ended up in the top 4 on 11 out of 13 occasions. 

CSK had a tough 2022 where they not only finished in the bottom half of the points table but also suffered a leadership change with Ravindra Jadeja handing over the reign back to MS Dhoni. However, MS Dhoni and his men would like to forget the 2022 year, and would like to level the 5-times champions MI by winning their fifth trophy. 

In terms of Team composition, CSK had retained a good core of 18 players ahead of the IPL 2023 Auction. Usually a wise spender, CSK surprised everyone when they went big after Ben Stokes by purchasing him for INR 16.25 Cr; the highest CSK spent in IPL history. Apart from Stokes, CSK spent mostly on buying backup players.

With IPL being scheduled in India this time in a usual Home and Away format, Chennai Super Kings would be back to playing to their strengths; that’s Spin. They would be playing 7 matches in Chennai, and that should please the management and fans.

IPL 2023: Official Squad and Players List for CSK

Batters: Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Ruturaj Gaikwad & Subhranshu Senapati

WKs: Devon Conway (o) & MS Dhoni (c)

All-rounders: Ajay Mandal, Ben Stokes (o), Bhagath Varma, Dwaine Pretorius (o), Kyle Jamieson (o), Mitchell Santner (o), Moeen Ali (o), Nishant Sindhu, Ravindra Jadeja, Shaik Rasheed & Shivam Dube

Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana (o), Matheesha Pathirana (o), Mukesh Chaudhary, Prashant Solanki, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Simarjeet Singh & Tushar Deshpande 

IPL 2023 Strongest Playing 11 for CSK:

So, what could be the strongest playing 11 that CSK can put forward for IPL 2023? Well, let’s find out in this article along with a few more alternatives. Meanwhile, as per the leading cricket website, Betway, CSK are one of the favourites to win IPL 2023 with odds at 2.5.  

Openers: Devon Conway & Ruturaj Gaikwad

CSK have a stable opening pair in the form of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway. But with the addition of Ben Stokes, will CSK switch Ben Stokes with Devon Conway for the opening position? Well, having Stokes as the opener isn’t a bad option. But seeing how successful Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad have been, CSK might want to continue with these two as the first-choice openers. 

Middle-order: Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu & Ben Stokes 

The middle-order for Chennai Super Kings will see the entry of Ben Stokes at the number 5 or 4 position. Stokes was strategically hired by CSK to stabilize the middle-order with attacking Moeen Ali at 3 and an aggressive lower-order to follow. Meanwhile, CSK have shown faith in Ageing Ambati Rayudu, so expect him to play in the middle-order and alternate with Ben Stokes in terms of the batting order. 

Lower-order: Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni & Shivam Dube 

CSK have a strong lower-order if they go based on our prediction. The batting order could be flexible for CSK, but for the preferred batting order, we should see Ravindra Jadeja at 6, MS Dhoni at 7, and Shivam Dube as the attacking finisher at 7. One of Jadeja, Dhoni or Dube can come in depending on the situation. 

The best thing about this line-up is the flexibility for MS Dhoni to plan his presence accordingly. With a pretext for the future, he may only decide to come if the top 7 fail to perform. Moreover, With 3 bowlers to follow, CSK already have 4 bowling options in the top 7 in the form of Stokes, Ali, Jadeja, and Dube. 

Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana & Mukesh Choudhary 

Coming to the bowlers, we should see the return of CSK’s star powerplay bowler, Deepak Chahar. Chahar missed IPL 2022 due to injury, but shall be available to play in 2023. With his return, Simaejeet Singh could be left out even though Simarjeet was impressive. Supporting Chahar shall be Mukesh Choudhary, who was very impressive in his debut 2022 season. 

The final overseas player option should most-likely see Maheesh Theekshana taking that place to support the spin-friendly tracks. CSK can also look at Mitchell Santner in place of Theekshana. However, with Jaddu, the left-armer already there, the move looks unlikely. In addition, Theekshana offers something unique other than finger spinners, Jadeja and Moeen. 

Strongest Predicted Playing 11 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2023:

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni [c&wk], Shivam Dube, Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana & Mukesh Choudhary 

So, that’s about the strongest predicted playing 11 for CSK for IPL 2023. Given the performance of each player in recent times, CSK get a rating of 8.697 for their strongest playing 11. Apart from the above playing 11, CSK can also look at exploring the following playing 11 options. 

Alternate Best Playing 11 Options for CSK:

#1:For Pace-Friendly Conditions:

The one that we saw as the strongest playing 11 for CSK was considering a spin pitch in mind as CSK shall play 7 home games this season. But for pitches that may favour pace, we can see CSK opting to play one of Dwaine Pretorius / Kyle Jamieson / Matheesha Pathirana for Maheesh Theekshana. 

#2: Ben Stokes to Open for Devon Conway

Given the handsome amount CSK paid to Ben Stokes, and his desire to play at the top, CSK may look to play Ben Stokes as an opener in place of Devon Conway. What this does is CSK than play Dwaine Pretorius as an additional pace bowler with a focus on death bowling. 

Thanks for reading! What’s your playing 11 for CSK for IPL 2023? Please email your thoughts to business@cricalytics.com

---

ALSO READ: IPL 2023: All 10 Teams Ranking Basis Their Overseas Players

---

© AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics