Although there were rumors that one or two new IPL franchises would take the field in IPL 2021, the reports are now crumbling down. This would also mean that a mega-auction is unlikely to take place. However, we cannot rule it out because, as per the original IPL schedule, a big auction needs to happen in 2021.
If a mega-auction does not transpire, a few teams would be left unsatisfied. CSK would be one of such franchises. They had a forgettable campaign in 2020, and the same squad playing in 2021 would diminish their prospects. That said, an auction, big or small, will definitely happen before IPL 2021, and CSK would still have chances to upgrade their roster.
On that note, in this article, we tell you the ideal XI that CSK must target for next season if a mega-auction does not take place.
Openers: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis
This pair did well at the back end of last season. If there aren’t many possibilities to improve, CSK might as well go with this duo. The pair is a mix of youth and experience, and that could serve well for the franchise. They already know each other to an extent, and that will add to the advantage. However, CSK will be wary of one of these going out of form. Hence, a few realistic targets like Jason Roy and Yashasvi Jaiswal can also be aimed at the auctions.
Backups: Jason Roy and Yashasvi Jaiswal
Middle-Order: Suresh Raina, Dawid Malan and MS Dhoni (C&WK)
Without a mega-auction, CSK’s middle-order may not get the necessary tinkering. Hence, it is inevitable that the previous season’s options would continue. Raina would feature in CSK’s plans if there is no mega-auction. While he comes in at No.3, CSK could invest in a proper T20 batsman at No.4. Our pick is England’s Dawid Malan, who is also World’s No.1 T20 batsman at the moment. He is in form, and considering CSK would release Kedar Jadhav, they will have funds to hire the Englishman. MS Dhoni will continue as the team’s captain and wicket-keeper for at least one more season. On the bench, CSK could use the likes of Ambati Rayudu and N Jagadeesan, both of whom can also keep wickets.
Backups: Ambati Rayudu, N Jagadeesan, and David Miller
All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran and Dwayne Bravo
Over the seasons, this segment has been CSK’s strongest department. It will also depend on this department if the team would do well next season. Jadeja’s batting has improved, and him at No.6 will be a boost to CSK’s batting unit. While Sam Curran can be used as a floater, his position on paper will be at No.7. He will bowl at both ends of the innings and will be tasked to up the ante with the bat in hand. Dwayne Bravo has been plagued by injury in recent times. We feel CSK might give him at least one more season to showcase his skills. The team could hire backups for him in the form of Wanindu Hasaranga and K Gowtham.
Backups: Wanindu Hasaranga and K Gowtham
Bowlers: Ravichandran Ashwin, Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur
Ravichandran Ashwin has a hefty price-tag attached to him. If Delhi decides to release him, CSK must grab the opportunity to bring back their former talisman. The team needs an experienced specialist spinner, and Ashwin is the perfect option. The fans will also be thrilled to bits. Along with him, the franchise can also target Mayank Markhande as the leg-spin alternative. Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur can continue as the team’s pace spearheads. A few foreign backups like Lungi Ngidi would add steel to the unit.
Backups: Mayank Markhande, Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi
