Ex-Aussie bowler says Dhoni's CSK will fare well in IPL 2024 if they sign this veteran IND batter

With just hours left before the start of the IPL 2024 auction, the cricket world has started to make assertions regarding which franchise could target what player. With all the teams carrying a hefty amount in the purse, it is difficult to gauge, what will be the targets of a respective franchise but since it is the phase of guesswork, a former Aussie bowler has weighed in on who CSK could go after.

3 things you need to know

• IPL 2024 Auction is scheduled to take place on December 19, 2023
• The event will be held in Dubai
• This would be the first time that an IPL auction would be taking place outside of India

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Brad Hogg predicts how CSK will fare in IPL 2024

Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg believes that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be a safe bet in the playoffs if they can secure select specific players at Tuesday's Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction in Dubai. CSK's bank account has been boosted by Ben Stokes' release and Ambati Rayudu's retirement from IPL. This leaves some vacancies in both the starting XI and the entire squad.

The reigning champions are most in need of an Indian batter in the middle of the order. Hogg has recognized Manish Pandey and Harshal Patel as ideal CSK players based on the conditions and their skill level. He also encouraged the team to sign one of Daryl Mitchell or Rachin Ravindra.

"CSK will go hard after Harshal Patel and that is going to hurt RCB. Harshal Patel has the qualities needed to bowl on the Chennai wicket. If they get Manish Pandey, either one of Mitchell or Ravindra and Harshal Patel, CSK will be in the top three for sure in IPL 2024," Hogg said on his YouTube channel.

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Brad Hogg sees Manish Pandey as the ideal fill-in in the CSK middle-order

Brad Hogg highlights the empty spot in the middle-order and states Manish Pandey comes as the right man for the job description. Moreover, he also sees CSK going after Kiwi all-rounder Daryl Mitchell in the upcoming auction.

"CSK need an Indian middle-order batter. Manish Pandey is the man for them. He is also a good fielder, but we have not seen the best of him and I think if he gets an opportunity with CSK and under the leadership of MS Dhoni, we will see the best of him again. I also think they need another option in the middle order and they can go after Mitchell, but I don't think they will get him. I think they will go with Ravindra," he added.