The Chennai Super Kings had a forgettable IPL 2020 season in the United Arab Emirates. Before 2020, CSK had always qualified for the next round in the IPL seasons they played. However, in 2020, they narrowly avoided an eighth-place finish. It was not the team’s fault majorly because they lost their key players Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh before the competition’s first ball.
Besides, former IPL Purple Cap winner DJ Bravo did not play many games because of his injury issues. Even IPL 2019 Purple Cap winner Imran Tahir had to warm the benches for many matches because the team had to include Sam Curran in the playing XI. Curran did a fantastic job in his first season for the Chennai Super Kings. He was exceptional with the bat and the ball.
Talking about the bright spots for the Chennai Super Kings from IPL 2020, captain MS Dhoni looked fit despite his retirement. Although he could not score many runs with the bat, Dhoni did a commendable job behind the stumps. Also, he has stated that he would ‘Definitely Not’ stop playing for the Chennai Super Kings in 2021.
Thus, Dhoni would have already started his planning for IPL 2021. Suresh Raina will be back with the franchise after skipping the previous season due to personal reasons. Even Harbhajan Singh might return to the squad. Another benefit CSK might receive is that IPL 2021 will likely happen in India. So, they will play seven matches at their den Chepauk. The CSK squad is perfect for the conditions in Chennai.
Unfortunately, opening batsman Shane Watson has retired from the IPL. The Chennai Super Kings will miss the Australian all-rounder’s services in IPL 2021. This retirement decision has opened up a place in the CSK for an overseas batsman. Many fans believe the Chennai Super Kings might go after Dawid Malan in the auction. It is noteworthy that Malan is the world no. 1 batsman right now in T20I cricket.
Ruturaj Gaikwad impressed everyone with his back-to-back fifties in the last phase of IPL 2020. The youngster cemented his place in the CSK squad with his fantastic performances. Even Ambati Rayudu and Faf du Plessis performed well in the batting department. Narayan Jagadeesan will likely receive backing from the CSK management because he has the potential of becoming a big name.
Talking about the players who might lose their contracts, Kedar Jadhav disappointed the fans with his performance last year. In fact, in the previous three seasons, Jadhav has not contributed much to the Chennai Super Kings. Since his price tag is high, CSK might consider releasing him.
Another player who might return to the auction pool is Piyush Chawla. The Chennai-based franchise has many options in their spin bowling department. Thus, Chawla, whose contract price is high, might return to the auction. If the CSK franchise wants him back, they could even sign him for a lower amount. Monu Kumar and Murali Vijay also could not make much impact with their performances.
Since the Super Kings have enough spin-bowling options, they could hunt for all-rounders in the auction. Ravindra Jadeja is their number one Indian all-rounder, while Deepak Chahar can bat as well.
Here is the list of players CSK might retain and release before IPL 2021.
Players CSK might retain: MS Dhoni, Imran Tahir, Lungi Ngidi, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Narayan Jagadeesan, Mitchell Santner, KM Asif, Shardul Thakur, R Sai Kishore, Faf du Plessis, DJ Bravo, Josh Hazlewood, Sam Curran.
Players CSK might release: Shane Watson, Murali Vijay, Kedar Jadhav, Piyush Chawla, Karn Sharma.
