Chennai Super Kings would definitely wear a fresh look in IPL 2021. Barring a few consistent players and some prospects, the management is likely to go ahead with massive changes. More so, if a mega-auction happens.
That said, for the players who get released, it would be a difficult task to find a new franchise. In the past, there has hardly been an occasion where a player left CSK and succeeded elsewhere. With history also not on their side, some released players could have nervous moments ahead.
On that note, in this article, we look at five players from the CSK camp who could go unsold next season. This is assuming that these players are released by the franchise in the first place.
1. Murali Vijay
It could be curtains for Murali Vijay in IPL. Let alone his performances in this competition, Vijay is not in the scene in the domestic circuit too. There is also very little hope that he would improve in the coming months. With these discouraging factors, teams may not take the risk to hire the Tamil Nadu opener. Franchises would rather invest in rookie commodities if they need an opener. The youngsters would offer unpredictability, and will also have fearlessness on their side. Hence, if you take a logical view, Vijay could go unsold in IPL 2021.
2. Kedar Jadhav
Kedar Jadhav would have a difficult period to endure in the coming months. CSK will release him because of his underwhelming show in UAE. Although other teams could be interested in a domestic capped Indian batsman, Kedar may not fit the bill. The Maharashtra cricketer is on the wrong side of the thirties and may not offer a long-term solution for any team. Moreover, his form is very bad, and add to this, his low agility on the field may pose problems for the teams. Kedar is someone who needs time on the pitch to bring out his best, and hence, he is an illogical candidate to be a backup option. Hence, he might as well go unsold next season.
3. Piyush Chawla
Many might not agree if you say that Piyush Chawla would go unsold next season. Leggies are in demand in IPL and considering Piyush just crossed 30, the argument would be strong that the spinner will find another franchise. However, we feel it would not happen that way. The former KKR spinner was extremely unfit this season and hardly showed any ambition to do well. His variations too looked outdated, and predictable. With guys like Mayank Markhande who did not play a single game in 2020, it would be unfair if they pick Piyush over the youngster.
4. Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir does not have the age on his side to continue playing in IPL. In the few games he played in 2020, he did not look like the threatening spinner he was. If CSK releases him, we don’t see any other franchise going for him. Mumbai Indians might consider but with bowlers like Adam Zampa and Sandeep Lammichane in decent form, Tahir may not get the necessary opening bid.
5. Harbhajan Singh
It might be a surprise if Bhajji even enters the upcoming auctions. However, if he does arrive, no team might go for him. He is inactive in the domestic circuit and very vocal about his thoughts beyond the dressing room. Off-spinners get easily hit in IPL, and if no variations, it can be difficult to survive. Bhajji might fall into this category. That said, it might not be a surprise if Mumbai Indians purchase Bhajji for ‘The Last Dance’. They need a spinner, and much like how they utilized Yuvraj Singh in 2019, MI could devise a cameo role for the Indian spinner.
