With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season around the corner, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has predicted that defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will 'definitely' qualify for the playoffs.

The MS Dhoni-led side has qualified for the IPL playoffs on 12 out of 14 occasions, and Gavaskar believes that CSK have a balanced outfit this time around as well.

During the IPL 2024 auction last December, CSK purchased six players, with three of them being overseas cricketers. New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell (Rs 14 crore) was their most expensive buy while uncapped Sameer Rizvi (Rs 8.4 crore) was their second-most expensive purchase.

Besides, the five-time champions also secured the services of Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Mustafizur Rahman and Aravelly Avinash at the auction.

Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar also emphasized on CSK’s astute moves in the auction to address key areas of concern.

"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.

"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," he added.

Despite concerns over the fitness of certain key players, especially in the seam-bowling department, Gavaskar remains confident about CSK's chances, citing the depth and versatility of their squad.

"I feel they are covered because they have options. Shardul Thakur getting reacquired has removed the concern slightly about whether Deepak Chahar will play the entire tournament because Shardul Thakur can take his place," Gavaskar remarked.

(With IANS Inputs)