In IPL season 2024, CSK will fret over the form and fitness of several first-choice players
With IPL season 2024 starting on March 22, the Chennai Super Kings do not have long to prepare for the upcoming season. But the MS Dhoni-led team is already in a tough spot with injuries and the poor form of several first-choice players. Ahead of the CSK vs. RCB opener at their own backyard, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Devon Conway and Shivam Dube are unfit, while AjinkyaRahane has lost his form. All three are crucial players in the CSK setup.
Adding to his woes, MS Dhoni is also recovering from a knee injury that he suffered last season. He had to undergo surgery during the off-season.
Devon Conway
The CSK opener injured his finger during the NZ vs. AUS T20. He is missing the first New Zealand vs. Australia Test. And Conway remains doubtful for the remaining series. As he consults with specialists, Devon Conway remains a doubtful starter in IPL 2024.
Shivam Dube
Another sure-shot starter, Shivam Dube, is injured. He is on the sidelines with a side strain injury and remains doubtful to start IPL 2024, if not the whole tournament.
AjinkyaRahane
The former India Test vice captain was a revelation in IPL 2023 with his blazing knocks that led to his comeback with the India Test team. However, he is going through a tough time, managing just 115 runs at an average of 11.5 in 10 innings. That his runs tally includes a 56-run knock tells you the form he is in. Considering his form, CSK might want to look at a different option.
MS Dhoni
The captain of the ship struggled with a knee injury last time. While he has undergone surgery since, with no competitive match, it’s still unclear what state Thala Dhoni is in.
As CSK begin their camp on March 1, it will become clear if Dhoni will be available from the start or if he has any discomfort.
Apart from them, RuturajGaikwad has just recovered from injury, while Shardul Thakur also struggles with niggles. Ravindra Jadeja has returned to full fitness. However, with the T20 World Cup 2024 coming up, he will need workload management.