It was a very happy season Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this year with the best teams and talented youngsters showing their skills in the coveted competition. With teams like Baroda, MP, Delhi and Mumbai making it to the finals, Delhi and Baroda were left out. In SMAT 2024 Finals, Mumbai defeated former Ranji Trophy champions, Madhya Pradesh to win this year's title.
Expectations are rising after several CSK players left their mark in the prestigious tournament
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has become one of the most successful groups in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The men in yellow have won the IPL title five times, respectively Mumbai Indians. Over the years, CSK has been home to some of the most influential players of the IPL, including their favourites Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Faf Du Plessisand Dwayne Bravo.
With the new season of IPL around the corner, several CSK players have left their mark in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Fans are now hoping that these players will repeat their impressive form in their IPL.
Read more: WATCH: CSK's new recruit Shreyas Gopal bag a stunning hattrick against Hardik Pandya's Baroda in SMAT 2024
5 CSK players who impressed fans and pundits in SMAT 2024
The Chennai Super Kings captain has announced that he is in form with the bat for the upcoming IPL season. Playing for his home side, Maharashtra in SMAT 2024 showed his exemplary skills as a batsman. The highlight of his SMAT campaign was a thunderous 97-run innings against Services. The 27-year-old dominated the opposition bowling scoring 6 boundaries and a six. His innings helped Maharashtra reach a massive total of 232 and eventually scored 43 runs.
Part of the team that won the T20 World Cup, Shivam Dube is known for his power hitting and the 31-year-old did the same for his Mumbai team. Dube was at the peak of his SMAT prowess against Services when he hit 71 from just 36 balls, including the longest seven of his innings. Dube's move could be an exciting sign for CSK fans in his upcoming IPL reign.
- Mukesh Choudhary (Maharashtra):
Mukesh Choudhary's strong performance in SMAT 2024 is well known. The wickets rained down for the pacer who took 15 wickets for his Mumbai team in the tournament. The 28-year-old became the third highest scorer in the tournament SN Thakur in Mumbai. Moreover, Choudhary was one of the best bowlers in SMAT 2024 with an economy of 8.81 in 6 matches.
- Shreyas Gopal (Karnataka):
Chennai Super Kings recently got him in the big IPL market. The 31-year-old proved why he was selected by the CSK management in SMAT 2024. The 31-year-old leg spinner marked his moment in SMAT 2024 with a hat-trick against Baroda. Representing Karnataka, Gopal cleared first Shashwat Sharma to his house and later removed Krunal Pandya and Hardik Pandya on golden ducks. Although Karnataka lost the game but thanks to Gopal's 4/19, the game became more interesting in the end. Gopal was also the fifth highest wicket taker in SMAT 2024.
- Kamlesh Nagarkoti (Rajasthan)
The 24-year-old pacer was a successful acquisition for Chennai Super Kings. Nagarkoti performed in SMAT 2024 for his home side, Rajasthan. He was the top scorer for the Rajasthan team taking 10 wickets in 7 matches with an economy rate of 6.70. This performance from the youngster has raised the hopes of CSK fans. Nagarkoti could be a surprising addition to the team in the upcoming season.