IPL 2023: CSK Players Who Can Open the Innings Along With Ruturaj Gaikwad

Chennai Super Kings will look to start their IPL 2023 campaign on a high note after having a terrible outing in the previous edition. CSK will play their first game against the Gujarat Titans on March 31 at The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and will try to defeat the Defending Champions.

Going into the first game, CSK will miss a couple of overseas players. Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana will remain unavailable for the first game as they’ll feature in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand series. While selecting the first XI might be an easy task for the team management, selecting the opening pair will post some issues for sure. CSK needs to have the right opening duo to give them the much-needed momentum at the top.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is certain to retain his place as the opener after performing consistently in the previous two editions. However, the important decision is to select the second opener who can effectively complement Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Here’s the list of 4 CSK players who can open the innings along with Ruturaj Gaikwad in IPL 2023

1. Devon Conway

Devon Conway got a few opportunities to open the innings for CSK in the IPL 2022 and he played well as the opener more often than not. He played 7 games for CSK and scored 252 runs. More importantly, he played with a scintillating strike rate of 145.66. He also gives them a left-hand right-hand combination along with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top which is crucial in modern-day cricket.

2. Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu has scored tons of runs in the domestic circuit and in Indian Premier League as well. He first played for the Chennai-based franchise in IPL 2018 where he opened for them in most of the games.

Rayudu has amassed 4190 runs till now in the cash-rich league. The best quality of Ambati Rayudu is his ability to play big shots both against pacers and spinners which makes him an ideal candidate to open the innings.

3. Ben Stokes

CSK signed Ben Stokes for INR 16.25 crore at the IPL 2023 auction to strengthen their side. Stokes got a few opportunities as an opener for his previous franchise Rajasthan Royals and he did reasonably well for them.

He has a decent strike rate of 134.5 in IPL and has got the right technique and temperament needed to be a good opener. The leadership skills and experience of Ben Stokes can prove to be crucial for young Ruturaj Gaikwad.

4. Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane was the mainstay for the Indian test side for a number of years. His technique helped him to open the innings for his previous franchises i.e. Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders.

If CSK picks Rahane at the top, they’ll get the option to either play an extra overseas all-rounder or an overseas pacer. Rahane can play the role of the anchor which will allow Ruturaj Gaikwad to play his natural game. Ajinkya Rahane tackles the seam bowlers really well and thus will allow Ruturaj Gaikwad to settle down.