For the first time since 2011, the Indian Premier League will have a ten-team season in 2022. The eight teams, namely Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings have been joined by Ahmedabad and Lucknow.
According to reports, the existing eight teams will have an opportunity to retain a maximum of four players before IPL Auction 2022. Back in 2011 also, the rule was the same, and in this article today, we will look at the four players retained by CSK before IPL Auction 2011 and where they are now.
1. MS Dhoni
Mahendra Singh Dhoni was the number one pick by the Chennai Super Kings in the retained players’ list. The Chennai-based franchise paid him USD 1.8 million for his services. Dhoni is still part of the CSK squad and is reportedly going to be retained by the franchise for IPL 2022.
2. Suresh Raina
Nicknamed as Chinna Thala, Suresh Raina was the second pick by CSK in 2011 retained players’ list after captain Dhoni. Raina received a salary of USD 1.3 million. The left-handed batter was part of the CSK squad in IPL 2021, and it will be interesting to see if CSK retain him for the next season.
3. Murali Vijay
The third Indian player retained by the Chennai Super Kings before IPL 2011 Auction was opening batter Murali Vijay. The right-handed batter was in top form then and had made his T20 international debut for the country in the ICC T20 World Cup 2010. Vijay went unsold in IPL Auction 2021.
4. Albie Morkel
Former South African all-rounder Albie Morkel was the only overseas player retained by the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2011 Mega Auction. The ambidextrous all-rounder received a contract worth USD 500,000 from the CSK team. It is pertinent to note that Matthew Hayden decided to retire after the 2010 season. Even Andrew Flintoff was unavailable after missing the 2010 season due to injury. CSK signed the likes of Faf du Plessis and Dwayne Bravo at the mega auction later.
