IPL 2023: 3 Players Who Can Play the Role of Robin Uthappa in CSK Squad

IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings didn’t have a great season in 2022. They entered the last edition as the defending champions but couldn’t repeat the success they had in 2021. It was the worst season for CSK in the IPL‘s history as they finished ninth on the table with only four wins out of 14. Apart from performances, injuries to some players and a shift in captaincy became areas of concern for the franchise in 2022. But with a new season, CSK will look for new beginnings.

They will play the tournament’s opener against the defending champion Gujarat Titans on March 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Although the franchise has done a remarkable job of signing some big names for the coming season, they still have some big boots to fill. Notably, Robin Uthappa has retired and will not be part of the CSK setup anymore. Thus, we will discuss about some players who can fill the role of Robin Uthappa in CSK Squad.

IPL 2023: 3 Players Who Can replace Robin Uthappa in CSK Squad

3. Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu is another Indian veteran batter who has been a consistent performer over the seasons in the IPL. Rayudu joined the CSK setup in 2018 and has since become an integral part of the team. He has played in various positions in the CSK squad. He has opened the innings and also played at No. 5.

Thus, he is a versatile batter who can bat at any position. And with CSK needing experience, there can be no better replacement for Uthappa in the team than Rayudu. He can give them that experience in the batting order, and with his inclusion, CSK can pick four overseas players properly. Rayudu scored 274 runs in 11 innings at 24.90 with a best of 78 in 2022.

2. Moeen Ali

Veteran English all-rounder Moeen Ali did play some games in the second half of the 2022 season as Uthappa’s replacement. He batted at No. 3 and played some cameos. Moeen has been with CSK since 2021 and is a key player for the team. He played 10 games in 2022 and scored 244 runs at an average of 24.40 and a strike rate of 137.85, with a best of 93.

Moeen has immense experience and has batted at No. 3 in franchise cricket and also at the international level. If CSK is looking for experience, Moeen Ali is the perfect replacement for Uthappa going forward in the coming season. CSK can trust the southpaw because he is equally good against spin and pace both.

1. Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes will be back in the IPL after two seasons. He didn’t take part in 2022 and missed 2021 due to injury. Thus, his inclusion in the CSK squad will certainly boost the strength of the team. Stokes is a three-dimensional cricketer who can win games with both the bat and the ball. CSK would like to use his current batting form and give him more time to bat.

That makes him an ideal choice to bat at No. 3. With Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad opening the innings, Stokes can do wonders at No. 3. CSK invested a huge amount of INR 16.25 crore on the English all-rounder, and he totally worth it. It won’t be a surprise if we see Stokes play some match-winning knocks for CSK batting at No. 3.