IPL 2023: Best starting playing XI of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after mini auction

Chennai Super Kings, the most consistent side with 11 playoff appearances in 15 editions of the Indian Premier League made it big in the IPL 2023 Auction. They released eight players ahead of the auction and had to focus specifically on the all-rounders and top-order batters.

After the auction, the MS Dhoni-led side is looking good in terms of experience, while the gaps were also filled by their recruits on D-day. The most prominent pick by the team was England red-ball captain Ben Stokes, followed by Kyle Jamieson and Ajinkya Rahane.

Here is the best possible CSK XI for the 2023 edition of IPL:

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad

The proficient batter at the top order, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been churning out runs consistently for CSK in the last few editions. He started his IPL career in 2020¸ wherein he contributed 204 runs in six innings and confirmed his place in the subsequent season.

The 2021 season witnessed Gaikwad at his career-best form in the T20s. He slammed 635 runs at an average of 45.35 and won the orange cap. Furthermore, his performance helped CSK to lift the title as well.

In the previous edition, Gaikwad didn't start well but picked up form in the latter half. He scored 368 runs, with a top score of 99 and was retained ahead of the 2023 auction.