Chennai Super Kings will look to make a strong return to IPL. Last season, the MS Dhoni-led squad had to settle for a spot in the lower half of the table. However, CSK is one franchise that is known to make strong comebacks. Especially with IPL returning to the home-and-away format, the franchise will play seven games at Chepauk and therefore, CSK will be expected to do well. They have a good set of foreign players and it will be interesting to see the combination that MS Dhoni and co. will dish out. Here, we predict the four overseas players for CSK in the playing 11 for IPL 2023.
1) Ben Stokes
Having made the English Test skipper their costliest-ever purchase, Ben Stokes is all set to play all the games for CSK this season. Also, it is likely that the management might groom him as the next skipper and therefore, Stokes could even be appointed as the vice-captain of the franchise.
The southpaw is likely to bat in the top order. With the ball, he could be used with the new ball while he would anyways have a role in the middle overs. As we all know, he is a terrific fielder and he will surely add a lot of value on the field, as well.
2) Maheesh Theekshana
Maheesh Theekshana is one of the overseas players for CSK in the playing 11 for IPL 2023. The Sri Lankan spinner did well for CSK last season and he is likely to lead the spin attack in IPL 2023.
CSK will play half of its games on the Chepauk surface. This pitch will heavily suit the spinners and in this regard, Theekshana will be extremely dangerous. In IPL 2022, MS Dhoni used him a few times in the powerplay and this could be repeated again in the upcoming campaign.
3) Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali is one of the players who are out of form right now. However, CSK is known to bring the best out of such cricketers. Moreover, the Chepauk surface would suit a player like Moeen, who would add value to both departments of the game.
It will be interesting to see the position in which Moeen will play for CSK. If Ben Stokes opens the batting, Moeen is likely to operate at No.3. His main role would be to take on the spinners in the middle order.
4) Sisanda Magala
Sisanda Magala is also one of the overseas players for CSK in the playing 11 for IPL 2023. The South African cricketer recently replaced Kyle Jamieson in the CSK setup.
Dwayne Bravo is not a part of the squad anymore. Hence, the franchise needs a player who could do well at the death. Dwaine Pretorius’ reputation in this regard has come down. Therefore, CSK could rely on someone like Sisanda Magala. The cricketer did well in SA20 2023, especially at death. He had a lot of variations to offer and this is something that CSK could make good use of. If paired with someone like Deepak Chahar, this is a combination that can be decent in the death overs.
Overseas players of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023:
Stokes, Moeen,Pretorius, Santner, Conway, Theekshana, Pathirana, Magala.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 20, 2023
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