Indian Premier League is a T20 competition. However, in recent years, we have seen a lot of players adapt their game so that they could play in all three formats of the sport. Hence, in this context, we will be exploring an imaginary scenario in this article. Using the current cricketers in a T20 squad, we try to construct a good Test XI. On that note, here, we take a look at the current CSK Playing XI if they played Test cricket.
Note: Franchises construct teams based on the skillsets of the players aligning to the T20 format. This article is purely imaginary and based on contextual scenarios only.
Openers: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway will open the batting in the current CSK playing XI if they played Test cricket. Not just Tests, this would be an all-format opening combination for Chennai Super Kings. Devon Conway has already established his reputation as a Test cricketer. He had a strong start to his career.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is slowly making moves in Indian cricket. He was recently selected to the Test squad but could not get to make his debut. However, it might not be long before the Maharashtra cricketer dons the Test cap.
Middle-Order: Shaik Rasheed (WK), Subhranshu Senapati and Ajinkya Rahane
It will be a complete domestic contingent for the core middle-order of this squad. Shaik Rasheed from Andhra has only played 5 FC games till now but he has immense potential to excel in this format. He can also be a future keeper for Team India in the longer format.
Senapati has played close to 45 FC games for Odisha till now. His experience in this format makes him a better bet in the middle-order than someone like Shivam Dube. Ajinkya Rahane recently made his comeback to Team India. He was also appointed the vice-captain. Hence, he is an obvious choice here.
All-Rounders: Ben Stokes (C), Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner
Ben Stokes will lead the current CSK playing XI if they played Test cricket. Stokes and Jaddu are the best all-rounders in the game right now. They are also in top form when it comes to the five-day game. For this XI, we could see one of them move up the order, as well.
Santner is a good all-format cricketer. He often plays for New Zealand in Tests when the conditions suit the spinners. The Kiwi also adds value with the bat. Therefore, he is a part of this squad. If Moeen Ali had not confirmed his retirement, he would have been an option here.
Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande and Akash Singh
Kyle Jamieson has not been considered because it is not sure if CSK would retain him after he was ruled out of IPL 2023. Hence, we have three domestic pacers in this department.
Deepak Chahar, with his injury problems, may not be suited for the longer format. Nevertheless, he is a part of the squad here. Tushar Deshpande has played a lot for Mumbai and hence, he gets a spot in this setup. Akash Singh has not played a lot of FC cricket but to add variety to the pace attack, he finds a place in this XI.
