CSK have had a very unusual auction so far. For so long, CSK were a team that played a young core group of players, but they have thrown that out of the window this time around.
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During the retention special, CSK decided to bring back MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja back into the fold, which was extremely well received by their fans.
One of the biggest strengths of the CSK side was the presence of a strong core team within the starting XI. In addition to the above mentioned trio, Dwayne Bravo, Ravi Ashwin, Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith were also key members of the Chennai side, as Dhoni was always one for creating a core group of players.
People also realize that Dhoni is no longer the 26-year old who took over CSK’s reigns in 2008, as India’s world cup winning skipper is fast approaching the end of his legendary career. Raina is also 31, which is a far cry from the sprightly 20 year old who won hearts in Chennai.
After having retained the likes of Dhoni, Raina and Jadeja, CSK will certainly be looking to use their RTM on Dwayne Bravo and Brendon McCullum in the auction.
But CSK used a RTM on Faf du Plessis, as they brought back the South African captain to the Chepauk Stadium.
CSK then bought Harbhajan Singh at his base price of Rs 2 crore, as they pulled off a coup in getting the legendary off-spinner.
The Chennai team already retained Dhoni, Raina and Jadeja and have brought in the likes of Bravo, du Plessis, Watson, Jadhav and Harbhajan today.
CSK fans did not understand why their team was buying so many players over the 30, as this will certainly increase the average age of the side. MS Dhoni has always been someone who preferred a young and vibrant side, with fielding given a lot of importance by the former India captain.
And now they have brought in another player over 30, as CSK roped in South African leggie Imran Tahir.
At one point, Imran Tahir was the highest ranked bowler in world cricket, as the South African spinner earned himself a wonderful reputation.
Tahir went unsold last year and later joined the Rising Pune Super Giants, to have a wonderful season in the IPL.
Let’s see how Tahir fares this year!