mobile app bar

Five players that CSK should buy in the IPL auction

Siddharth Nair
Published

Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings will make a return to the IPL after a two year gap, as the yellow army is eagerly waiting to welcome their heroes back to Chennai.

The two time IPL champions have been one of the most successful teams in IPL history, as the MS Dhoni led side captured the imagination of fans all over the world.

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.

With the auction set to take place in a couple of weeks time, we look at five players that CSK will be looking to buy in the mega event.

Brendom McCullum

Another former CSK player, Brendon McCullum had a wonderful time with the Chennai side, as he quickly became a crucial part of the side.

In spite of CSK’s best efforts, Baz went to the Gujarat Lions side a couple of years later, as the Kiwi had to reluctantly leave the Chennai side.

Now back in the auction, McCullum will be hoping his former team picks him up again as a RTM, as the classy right hander will be looking to make a mark in what could be one of his final seasons in the IPL.

Dwayne Bravo

After having retained the likes of Dhoni, Raina and Jadeja, CSK will certainly be looking to use their RTM on Dwayne Bravo in the auction.

While using a RTM on McCullum is not yet a sure shot deal, CSK will definitely be eyeing the West Indian all-rounder in the auction.

Bravo has been one of the best T20 all-rounders in the game over the last decade, as the West Indian’s power hitting with the bat, and wickets with ball make him an extremely attractive player to have. Almost a certainty that Bravo will return to Chennai.

Washington Sundar

MS Dhoni has always played around with spinners, especially in the shorter formats of the game. His use of Ashwin, Jadeja, Jakati, Raina and even Vijay at times were crucial to CSK’s success over the years.

While Dhoni will no doubt be interested in bringing both Chahal and Yadav to Chennai, both spinners will likely to be retained by their respective teams through the RTM cards.

Ashwin should be the other alternative, but with other teams also in for the classy off-spinner, CSK may find it hard in getting him.

Which is where Washington Sundar comes in. The youngster from Tamil Nadu has had a wonderful domestic season and will be hoping to have a huge IPL season. Keep your eyes on this one.

Gautam Gambhir

This would be a very interesting acquisition if it were to happen.

Gautam Gambhir has undoubtedly been one of the finest players in IPL history. After a successful time with Delhi, Gambhir went to KKR and led the Kolkata franchise to two IPL titles in three years.

With CSK in the market for an opening batsman, Gambhir could prove to a shrewd buy for the Chennai team. Also, it’s not like there are averse to buying 36 year olds!

Jaydev Unadkat

It has been a wonderful year for 26-year old Jaydev Unadkat, as the left arm pacer has had a very profitable few months, culminating in a wonderful performance in the T20 series against Sri Lanka.

Undakat had a brilliant IPL 2017, as he finished as one of the highest wicket takers in the league. His performances were one of the reasons why the Pune franchise reached the final of last year’s tournament.

Dhoni has played with Unadkat in the past, which is why he would know how to utilize the pacer effectively during the season.

This is one to certainly watch out for!

About the author

Share this article