‘They need a good No. 3 batter’ - Irfan Pathan on what CSK could change in IPL 2024

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is looming on the horizon, and with the tournament approaching, fans have been looking forward to how their favourite teams fare in arguably the world’s biggest franchise cricket league.

Many eyes will also be set upon defending champions Chennai Super Kings. The side put in brilliant performances in the IPL 2023 as they went on to defeat Gujarat Titans in the summit clash of the tournament, and with the next season of the tournament approaching, many will hope for a similar performance from the five-time champions.

Speaking of the same, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan gave his opinion on the same matter as well. Pathan talked of the potential changes that Chennai Super Kings could make in the upcoming season of the tournament and even opined that the side should look for a new No. 3 batter.

He further heaped massive praise on veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane, who was exceptional for Chennai in the IPL 2023. Rahane, who scored 326 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 172.48 in 11 innings in the 16th edition of the tournament, was one of the best players in the team.

"Ajinkya Rahane started playing for CSK on the Wankhede pitch. That was his first game, and he did really well. After that, he kept his momentum going forward. But they are aware that he is slightly restricted when it comes to slow pitches. So they would want to have a backup for him as well," Irfan Pathan said, previewing the auction on Star Sports.

"You need to understand that MS Dhoni is not at his peak, and he used to bat at No. 8 regularly. Everyone wanted MS Dhoni to bat up the order, but he didn't. Even Dhoni knows that he is not young anymore. So they definitely need a replacement for Ambati Rayudu, but they need a good No. 3 batter as well,” he added.