Aakash Chopra evaluates Chennai Super Kings' squad for IPL 2024

Former India batter Aakash Chopra feels that the spin department of Chennai Super Kings are heavily reliant on overseas options and that Ravindra Jadeja is the only local spinner. While speaking on his latest YouTube video where he was analyzing the spin departments of every IPL 2024 team, Chopra claimed CSK might have to pay the price for having only one Indian spinner.

Aakash Chopra stated that Ravindra Jadeja might get a little lonely just like last season when he was the only wicket-taking option. CSK also have Moeen Ali and Maheesh Theekshana on their side but neither of them is as effective in terms of getting wickets. Chopra feels that might be a problem especially if the Chennai pitch doesn’t spin.

Aakash Chopra hails MS Dhoni for getting the best out of Jadeja

The 46-year-old expert analyst and commentator hailed CSK skipper MS Dhoni for his ability to get the best out of Ravindra Jadeja. The Jamnagar all-rounder has always been key to Dhoni’s plans be it for the franchise or the national team. MSD has played a huge role in Jadeja’s come-up and success in the international circuit.

While in terms of economy, Jadeja has been very good with his 7.60 rate, he has not always been a serial wicket-taker. The left-hand off-spinner has experienced inconsistency in terms of picking up wickets but his inclusion in the team is must because he provides solidity with the bat.

Last season, Jadeja scalped 20 wickets for the first time in his IPL career since making his debut in 2008 for Rajasthan Royals. The season before (2023), Jadeja had just 5 wickets and that tells how much he struggles to get those wickets. Aakash Chopra didn’t touch upon that factor but mainly highlighted the lack of homegrown spin bowlers.

“Chennai have an entire overseas spin department barring Ravindra Jadeja. If we see Ravindra Jadeja in T20 cricket, especially in the IPL, Mahi (MS Dhoni) gets the best out of him. He is absolutely brilliant in Chennai when the ball turns, as it did in the World Cup.”

“They have Maheesh Theekshana, who they play and bowl for sure. They have Moeen Ali, who they play and get to bowl. They have Mitchell Santner as well, who they play and get to bowl. If they wish to play Rachin Ravindra in place of Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra becomes another left-arm spin option.” – Aakash Chopra said on his latest YT video.

Chennai Super Kings full squad for IPL 2024

CSK full squad: MS Dhoni (c), Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Devon Conway, Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajay Mandal, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Mitchell Santner, Simarjeet Singh, Nishant Sindhu, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman, Avanish Rao Aravelly.

The reigning champions will begin their title defense and try to defend the IPL title for the first time since 2010-2011. CSK’s defense will begin with a clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the season opener at Chepauk on March 22nd. They will then welcome Gujarat Titans for their second home game before trips to Delhi and Hyderabad.