Chennai's strongest XI for Indian T20 League 2023

The Chennai-based franchise is all set to be in action for the upcoming 16th edition of the Indian T20 league. They will play the opening match of the tournament against the defending champions Gujarat on March 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The franchise also made some great additions to their squad at the mini-auction. England Test captain, Ben Stokes was the most expensive buy for them as they secured his services at a whopping price of INR 16.5 crores.

Here, we will take a look at Chennai's strongest XI for Indian T20 League 2023:

Top Order: 

Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad (Source - Twitter)

The top order for the franchise is looking settled as New Zealand star batter Devon Conway should open the batting with Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Both have done well in the past and the team would expect them to do produce goods this season as well. Moeen Ali should come at number three. It won’t be fair to say that Moeen Ali has become the perfect replacement for Raina at number three position but the English all-rounder has been doing a great job for the franchise for the past few years. Moeen needs to fare well both with the bat and ball if Chennai need to go the distance this year.

Middle-order: 

MS Dhoni (Source - Twitter)

The Chennai-based franchise is full of all-rounders and there will only be one proper middle-order batter for them and it'd be none other than the skipper MS Dhoni who might be playing his last season as reported by several media houses. Besides, Ambati Rayudu should take his place in the middle-order as well.

Allrounders

Ben Stokes and Ravindra Jadeja: (Image Source: Twitter)

Chennai will be having a lot of options in the bowling and batting departments as there will be a total of 5 all-rounders in their playing XI, including the likes of Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, and Moeen Ali. However, all eyes will be on Stokes as he will be playing for the franchise for the first time. Jadeja and Ali already provided some excellent performances for the team. Shivam Dube will be another all-round option for the team.

Bowlers

Deepak Chahar and Maheesh Theekshana (Source - Twitter)

Despite having multiple spin bowling options, Chennai will be dependent on Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana as his wicket-taking ability will be very helpful for the team. After missing the last season, Deepak Chahar will make a comeback this season and will be leading the pace attack with Mukesh Choudhary.

Chennai's strongest XI

Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (c) (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Mukesh Choudhary, Maheesh Theekshana