Chennai Super Kings are back at their Chepauk stadium. But as the pitches in Chennai present a different challenge for the batsmen and bowlers, CSK has decided to hold a special training camp in Chepauk. The head coach Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni have requested a special camp at the stadium.

Although the dates have not been finalized, it will probably be done at the end of February or March. The camp will focus on different aspects of the game, the focus is on adapting to the unique challenges presented by the Chepauk region. The players will be placed in their online race, and the coaches will work to improve their skills and techniques.

However, the dates will be decided after the Ranji Trophy. Some domestic players may miss out due to their home matches and some foreign players will participate depending on their schedule.

CSK Captaincy: However, CSK keeps its captain close to the box. If Ben Stokes is the favourite, CSK has left it to skipper MS Dhoni to choose his successor. Dhoni is expected to go well for his playing career at the end of IPL 2023. However, when it comes to the management of the CSK squad, Ruturaj Gaikwad cannot be left out or he is a long-term option.

“Of course, we are very happy getting Ben Stokes. He is not just a match-winner but also a great leader. It’s MS’s call on who he will name his successor. With foreign players leading in IPL, there is always the problem of combination. Plus, all-rounders are always tricky customers to handle. If Ben doesn’t get a NOC next year, it will be a problem. So, one can never rule out a young Ruturaj,” a CSK official told to news channel.

Despite his youth, Ruturaj Gaikwad is a long-term option of CSK. He once led Maharashtra in the national circuit.

He also learns from the great MS Dhoni himself in addition to Stephen Fleming, Dwayne Bravo and Faf du Plessis. With time on his side, CSK is keeping tabs on Ruturaj as a future leader.

However, Ben Stokes remains the favorite with vast experience and leadership qualities. CSK picked up Stokes for a whopping Rs 16.25 Crore after fending off challenges from LSG, SRH, RR and RCB.

But with Ben Stokes, CSK has two problems. The first is that he is a foreigner and the second is that he is making a difference.

Ben Stokes can get NOC if he doesn't play any matches.

Hence, CSK will have to play him as an overseas batter in most games.

In case of any injury because of his past history and all-rounder status, CSK will be forced to fall back on another player.

Ajinkya Rahane is also another option but he doesn’t have a guaranteed spot in CSK’s Playing XI.

With Ruturaj, CSK won’t have all those issues.

The Chennai Super Kings have a strong track record in the IPL, having won the title four times. The team will be looking to continue that success in the 2023 season. And the special camp in Chennai will play a key role in helping them achieve their goals.

Chennai Super Kings Squad for IPL 2023:
MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, Subhranshu Senapati, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes, Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sindhu, Kyle Jamieson, Ajay Mandal, Bhagath Varma

Players bought at the 2023 auction:
Ajinkya Rahane (INR 50 lakh), Ben Stokes (INR 16.25 crore), Shaik Rasheed (INR 20 lakh), Nishant Sindhu (INR 60 lakh), Kyle Jamieson (INR 1 crore), Ajay Mandal (INR 20 lakh), Bhagath Varma (INR 20 lakh).