Chennai Super Kings (CSK) approached the IPL 2024 auction with a substantial remaining purse of 31.4 crores, aiming to fill six vacant slots, including three overseas positions. The team, led by the iconic MS Dhoni, returned after a successful knee surgery post the IPL 2023 auction.
Out of the 333 players registered for the IPL 2023 auction, CSK prioritized retaining its core players, including MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Maheesh Theekshana, Shivam Dube, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. This core group had played pivotal roles in securing two IPL titles in the last three seasons, contributing to CSK’s overall record of five IPL championships, with recent victories in 2021 and 2023.
Following the triumphant IPL 2023 title, MS Dhoni expressed his intent to return for one final season as a gesture of gratitude to the loyal Chennai fans. CSK, known for its loyalty and trust in players, faced challenges with Ben Stokes making himself unavailable, creating a void in the squad. The management sought an experienced Indian pacer as backup for the injury-prone Deepak Chahar. Three key overseas players—Ambati Rayudu, Ben Stokes, and Dwaine Pretorius—were released ahead of the auction, signaling specific areas to target.
CSK successfully filled the required overseas slots and addressed key strategic needs, maintaining their tradition of loyalty and trust in player selections. The retained players showcase a balance of experienced campaigners and emerging talents. With a strong squad and the defending champions’ tag, CSK is geared up for IPL 2024.