CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan Expresses Confidence in MS Dhoni’s Fitness
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently shared his optimism regarding MS Dhoni’s fitness for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. In an exclusive statement to ANI at the launch event of the Junior Super Kings Interschool T20 tournament, Kasi assured fans that Dhoni has successfully recovered from his knee issues and is actively participating in rehabilitation and training sessions.
Dhoni’s Determination: A Comeback on the Horizon
Fans speculated about Dhoni’s status for IPL 2024 after witnessing him play the last season with an injured knee. Following a successful knee surgery earlier this year, concerns lingered about whether the previous season marked Dhoni’s farewell from IPL. However, after leading his team to their fifth title win, Dhoni expressed his desire to play one more season as a gift to the devoted CSK fans.
Impressive Stats and Unforgettable Moments: Dhoni’s IPL Legacy
Revisiting Dhoni’s performance in IPL 2023, he showcased his cricket prowess by scoring 104 runs in 12 innings at an impressive average of 26 and a strike rate exceeding 182. With signature big sixes, Dhoni added a memorable chapter to his IPL legacy. Having played 250 IPL matches, Dhoni stands as the seventh-highest run-scorer in IPL history, accumulating 5,082 runs at an average of 38.79 and a strike rate over 135.
CSK’s Successful Mini-Auction: Daryl Mitchell’s Inclusion
During the recent mini-auction in Dubai, Kasi Viswanathan expressed satisfaction with CSK’s comprehensive squad coverage. The acquisition of star New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell for a substantial Rs 14 crores was a strategic move. Kasi acknowledged the risk involved in pursuing Mitchell, given his outstanding performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup. Despite the risk, CSK is delighted to have Mitchell on board.
Daryl Mitchell: A Valuable Addition to CSK’s Lineup
Daryl Mitchell, who did not participate in the last IPL season, brings significant experience to the CSK squad. His notable achievements in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, scoring 552 runs in 10 matches with two centuries and two fifties, make him a valuable asset. As a batting all-rounder, Mitchell has accumulated 1,069 runs in 56 T20Is at an average of 24.86, complemented by five fifties and eight wickets.
Upcoming IPL Season: CSK’s Camp Set to Begin in March 2024
Looking ahead, Kasi Viswanathan disclosed that CSK’s IPL camp for the 2024 season is scheduled to kick off in the first week of March next year. With a well-rounded squad, including key players like Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, and the dynamic Daryl Mitchell, CSK is poised for an exciting and competitive season.
CSK IPL 2024 Squad Overview
Here’s a glimpse of the Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2024 squad:
- Ajay Mandal
- Ajinkya Rahane
- Deepak Chahar
- Devon Conway
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Mitchell Santner
- Moeen Ali
- MS Dhoni
- Mukesh Choudhary
- Nishant Sindhu
- Prashant Solanki
- Rajvardhan Hangargekar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Shaik Rasheed
- Shivam Dube
- Simarjeet Singh
- Tushar Deshpande
- Rachin Ravindra
- Shardul Thakur
- Daryl Mitchell
- Sameer Rizvi
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Avanish Rao Aravelly
CSK’s Auction Triumphs
CSK secured key players during the auction:
- Rachin Ravindra (Rs. 1.8 crore)
- Shardul Thakur (Rs. 4 crore)
- Daryl Mitchell (Rs. 14 crores)
- Sameer Rizvi (Rs. 8.40 crore)
- Mustafizur Rahman (Rs. 2 crore)
- Avanish Rao Aravelly (Rs. 20 lakh)
In conclusion, CSK enthusiasts can eagerly anticipate the return of MS Dhoni and the impactful contributions of the newly acquired talent, especially Daryl Mitchell, as they gear up for IPL 2024. With a strategic squad and a determined captain, CSK aims to make the upcoming season memorable for fans worldwide.
