The stage is all set for the IPL 2021 auctions in Chennai on 18th February. Chennai Super Kings has been one of the most successful teams in the history of IPL. CSK’s unique quality is the stability of the team. MS Dhoni-led side doesn’t believe in changing too much in their playing eleven. From CSK’s frame of reference, there is not much to bother about and this is how their strategy should be in the IPl 2021 auctions:
1: Fill-up the shoes of Shane Watson:
Now that Suresh Raina is back to the side to bolster the middle-order, CSK might consider opening with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ambati Raidu. However, history suggests CSK might consider a foreign player for opening. Du Plessis is there but they still need someone to fill the vacant spot left by Shane Watson. Jason Roy, Aaron Finch, Steve Smith could be great options for CSK to bid for.
This equation might seem simple at prima facie but what complicates it is CSK has only one slot available for overseas signings.
2: A plenty of leggies but no offie:
Imran Tahir, Karn Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mitchell Santner can take the ball away from right-handers. Adding someone who can take the ball away from southpaws in the spin department would be something Dhoni and side might look for. Glenn Maxwell, Krishnappa Gowtham make excellent choices as both these all-rounders can do hard-hitting as well.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Retained players:
Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (C), Narayan Jagadeesan (WK), Mitchell Santner, Dwayne Bravo, Lungi Ngidi, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Imran Tahir, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KM Asif, Josh Hazlewood, Robin Uthappa, Karn Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, Deepak Chahar, Faf du Plessis, Shardul Thakur
Total purse: 19.96 Crores
Overall player slots: 6
Overseas slots: 1
