They should reach the playoffs if they play to their potential – Aakash Chopra on CSK’s chances in IPL 2023

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra reckons Chennai Super Kings should reach the playoff stages if they play to their potential in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. CSK had finished in the ninth position in the previous edition of the IPL after only managing four wins in 14 league stage matche and the MS Dhoni-led team will look to turn the tables.

CSK had added players like Ben Stokes and Ajinkya Rahane in IPL 2023 mini-auction and they do have a squad, which can help them go all the way. CSK have players like Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Ravindra Jadeja, Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, and MS Dhoni and thus they have a lot of T20 experience in their squad.

Aakash Chopra said on Aakash Vani on Jio Cinema, “They are looking like a very decent team on paper. Where can this team reach? They should reach the playoffs if they play to their potential. Dhoni is the captain, there is an emotional connect, it is the last season, and the matches are going to be played in Chennai, which is their fortress.”

Chopra backed Devon Conway to be Chennai’s leading run-getter and Deepak Chahar to be the top wicket-taker in the upcoming season.

“Who can be this team’s highest run-scorer? One of Ruturaj Gaikwad or Devon Conway – I am going with Devon Conway although we don’t know how much the Chennai pitch will suit him. Who can be the highest wicket-taker? I am going with Deepak Chahar.”

The renowned commentator added that apart from MS Dhoni, CSK is recognized by their all-rounders.

“Apart from Dhoni, Chennai is defined by all-rounders. When you look at this team, there are two wicketkeepers – one is Dhoni and the other is Devon Conway. Devon Conway is a class player.”

“If we talk about all-rounders – Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner and Ben Stokes in bold letters, and then two or three more Indian names.”

Chennai Super Kings will kick off their Indian Premier League 2023 show against defending champions Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on 31st March.