Sunil Gavaskar makes major prediction for Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2024

The excitement for the Indian Premier League (IPL) season 17 is slowly building up as the tournament is expected to begin from March 2024. In the upcoming edition, the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be seen defending their title having clinched their fifth trophy after beating Gujarat Titans in the final of IPL 2023.

Ahead of the upcoming edition, all ten franchises have bolstered their squad in the mini-auction and are ready to put on another marvellous show in the biggest T20 league of the world. With the 17^th season, a few months away, the prediction for the edition has begun as former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar predicted CSK to qualify for the playoffs once again.

Also Check: 3 Players who can replace MS Dhoni as CSK Captain in IPL 2025

"So, I feel CSK will definitely come in the top four as always. You cannot say any team 'definitely yes' as favorites. However, the way the Chennai Super Kings have performed for so many years, they have qualified in 12 of the 16 editions. So it's likely to happen for the 13th time," the former India captain added.

Further speaking ahead, Gavaskar credited CSK management for building a strong squad with a perfect mix of youth and experience.

"If you see the purchases they did at the auction table, the aspects they had to strengthen, it seemed like they lacked a little in bowling last year and in batting also they had to strengthen the middle order slightly after Ambati Rayudu's retirement, they have done all that. They have a good mix of youth and experience," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

Also Read: CSK Squad 2024 Player List: Complete Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Squad and Players List for IPL 2024

IPL 2024 likely to be last season of MS Dhoni

Notably, the upcoming edition is expected to be even more special for CSK as it’s likely going to be the last season of their legendary captain MS Dhoni. The wicketkeeper batter has led the franchise since their debut season in 2008 and CSK has clinched joint-highest five titles under him. 

Hence, the grounds are expected to be full once again in the upcoming season, as fans will throng to the stadiums to see their beloved ‘Thala’ in action for one final time.