CSK is said to be among the teams in the IPL with the largest fanbase. Also, Chennai Super Kings are the joint-most successful franchise in the competition along with Mumbai Indians.
Besides, they are also the team to have played the most number of playoffs and the most number of finals. Led by skipper MS Dhoni, CSK has a history of playing with experienced campaigners.
However, last time around, the Chennai Super Kings failed to advance into the playoffs. Though, the new skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, seems quite promising in the role of CSK captain and a bright future prospect for the side.
CSK might be looking forward to retaining the likes of the finest players in skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has also produced significant amount runs for the franchise. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and overseas bowler Mateesha Pathirana will also don the yellow jersey.
Lastly, the buzz around MS Dhoni being retained as an uncapped player has created a huge stir, since Dhoni retired from his long international career back in 2019. IPL’s rule of considering any Indian player to be uncapped who has not featured in an international game for over 5 years will only help CSK’s cause.
The three possible players who might be targets for CSK in the mega-auction
1. Liam Livingstone: The Englishman has been a star on the international front since he emerged as the world’s finest all-rounder as ranked by the ICC. Livingstone starred in the matches against Australia, where he excelled with the bat as well as with the ball.
Livingstone earlier played for the Punjab Kings, and some likely reports suggest that the Kings are to part ways with all their overseas players. If Livingstone is released, CSK, who are in need of an explosive middle-order batter, might look to include Livingstone, who can replace the likes of England veteran Moeen Ali.
2. Ayush Badoni: CSK have often been among the biggest franchises that have acquired the likes of supremely talented youngsters and made them rise to be future talents. The skipper Gaikwad himself is an example of CSK’s scouting.
Last time around they acquired Sameer Rizvi while also Dube was a flop show for the Super Kings, and hence they might be replaced by a new middle-order batter who can score quick runs and also play at any desired position. Ayush Badoni, who was seen excelling as a batter in the Delhi Premier League, would also next be on CSK’s auction list.
3. Avesh Khan: Tushar Deshpande, who was CSK’s most genius bowler for the last season and also their highest wicket-taker, now has made his debut for India, and hence he cannot be retained any further as an uncapped player.
If CSk cannot have Tushar Deshpande, then they would look to acquire Avesh Khan. Mohammad Shami was the only player considered a big name, while also Avesh Khan might be the other name who can be the ace bowler with efficiency to bowl with both the new ball and in the death overs.
