As seen in the history of the competition, MS Dhoni and the CSK management are huge fans of multi-utility players. MS Dhoni had also adopted a similar strategy when he was at the helm of Team India. In this article, we take a look at five multi-utility cricketers who MS Dhoni might pick and groom for CSK from IPL 2022.
With 10 teams in the fray, a franchise cannot purchase all the desired cricketers. However, they have a chance to pick some players and groom them. MS Dhoni is a master at it. Now that he is close to retirement, he could be all the more invested in hiring talent for CSK. We take a look at some options at the IPL 2022 Mega Auctions.
1) Vishnu Vinod
Vishnu Vinod has been in fine form over the last few seasons. He has worked on his big-hitting skills and operated for Kerala in the difficult finisher’s role this season. Most importantly, Vinod has added bowling to his attributes. Considering the demands in IPL, a player of Vishnu’s capabilities will be helpful. Since CSK anyways needs a backup domestic keeper, Vishnu is a top option at the moment.
2) Riyan Parag
Just a few months ago, Riyan Parag was rated highly in the Indian domestic circuit. However, a run of poor performances in IPL and an average domestic limited-overs season has put his name out of the picture. One thing that needs to be noted is that the Assam player is still very young. He has plenty of time to work on his skills. By purely judging his talent, CSK could target the player for his ability to be a specialist middle-order batter who can also bowl off-spin.
3) Baba Aparajith
Baba Aparajith is one of the multi-utility cricketers who MS Dhoni might pick and groom for CSK from IPL 2022. Although he is experienced at the domestic level, Baba is yet to make his debut in IPL. In fact, he has been in CSK’s team before. However, his form has been consistent in recent seasons and an IPL contract is almost a certainty now. Baba is a top-order batsman who is more than a useful off-spinner. He also has leadership skills in his resume. All these factors could drive MS Dhoni to pick him for the future.
4) Rajvardhan S Hangargekar
Rajvardhan S Hangargekar is also one of the multi-utility cricketers who MS Dhoni might pick and groom for CSK from IPL 2022. Hangargekar took 19 wickets from eight games and made 216 runs in the U-19 Vinoo Mankad Trophy in September-October. The Maharashtra cricketer also made an impression in the recent U19 Asia Cup. Going by his performance so far, Rajvardhan seems to have a bright future as a bowling all-rounder. Hence, MS Dhoni could invest in him.
5) Shreyas Gopal
In IPL, Shreyas Gopal has become a notable name due to his bowling. However, he is a good batter as well. In multiple games at the domestic level, Gopal has done well with the willow. He boasts of great technique and excellent temperament. Of course, as a package, he will surely be a tempting prospect. It is down to the franchise and the management to make use of it.
