IPL 2020: 3 players who might be considered surplus to requirements for CSK next year


IPL 2020: 3 players who might be considered surplus to requirements for CSK next year

Chennai Super Kings during IPL 2020

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have just had the worst Indian Premier League season in their history. They ended up with just six wins out of the 14 games which is not a bad tally considering six was the number of wins the 4th placed team in the 2019 IPL ended up with. They ended up on 7th place on the table ahead of only Rajasthan Royals (RR).

CSK had a strange season this year. They got off to a great start by notching up a win over Mumbai Indians in their first fixture. However, issues with players’ form, fitness, fielding and intent led to a failure to close out games they would usually have aced. The form of a plethora of their batsmen like Shane Watson, Kedar Jadhav and more importantly skipper MS Dhoni has been a cause for worry.

There have been a lot of criticism levelled at MS Dhoni, coach Stephen Fleming and the team management for not giving youngsters opportunities. The team did start giving youngsters a go after their tournament was all but over and they found a reliable talent in Ruturaj Gaikwad who is now expected to be a mainstay in the CSK side for years to come.

The priority for CSK will thus, be to rebuild and look for smart buys in the auction, especially those of young guns like Sam Curran who was the side’s youngest and arguably the best performer this season. CSK find themselves in unfamiliar territory and they’ll have to tread carefully now, lest they find themselves on a downward spiral.

In CSK’s squad of more than 20 players, only a handful of players came good. CSK will thus feel a need to let go of some players to free up funds to buy players they want at the auction. Here are 3 players who might be considered surplus to requirements and hence let go by CSK.

Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav endured a torrid time at the IPL this year. The now 35-year-old who was picked up by CSK in the 2018 auction for a whopping 7.8 crores became a match-winner in his debut match for his new side that year when he helped beat Mumbai Indians. Following the knock, he pulled out of the 2018 IPL with an injury. He then had a lowkey 2019 IPL.

He came in to the 2020 IPL all but assured of a spot in the team. However, he put on a sorry show in all the matches he played. He didn’t get to bat in a lot of matches but when he batted, he was unable to middle the ball and kept swiping and missing. His performance against Kolkata Knight Riders where he scored 7 off 12 balls in a crunch situation was criticized by a plethora of fans. Jadhav was then dropped from the side.

It now looks unlikely that Jadhav will be a part of CSK’s plans for next year. Youngsters like Ruturaj Gaikwad and N Jagadeesan (to an extent) have shown that they are all able and dependable performers. CSK would think they will be better off investing in young talent than retaining Jadhav who looks painfully out of sorts.

Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh is among the best spinners in the history of the IPL. The off-spinner is known for his tight lines and lengths that yield a lot of wickets and gift him with an enviable economy. After being let go by Mumbai Indians for whom Harbhajan picked 127 wickets, he was picked up by CSK for a price of 2 crores.

Harbhajan didn’t have a very good IPL in 2018 when CSK lifted the title as he returned just 7 wickets. However, in the 2019 IPL, he came roaring back as he picked up 16 wickets at an economy of just over 7. His performances took CSK to within touching distance of the IPL title but the Super Kings fell short.

Ahead of the 2020 IPL, Harbhajan Singh along with Suresh Raina, withdrew from the IPL citing personal reasons. There were also reports swirling around that CSK were planning on terminating the contract of the duo. Harbhajan didn’t help the situation either by posting cryptic tweets on his social media handle. It now looks largely likely that he won’t be a part of CSK next year.

Shane Watson

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Shane Watson is among the most consistent and greatest players in the history of the IPL. However, it now looks like it is the end of the road for the burly Australian. Watson was picked up by CSK in the 2018 auction for a price of 4 crores.

In the very first season, Watson repaid his team’s faith in him by leading his side to an IPL title. He struck two centuries in the season including one in the final of the IPL against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Watson continued shining with decent performances in the 2019 IPL as well.

In the 2020 IPL however, Watson looked clearly out of touch, like his best days were behind him. He kept losing concentration and losing his wickets cheaply. It looked evident that Watson was nearing the end of his cricketing career. It is thus, highly likely that he will be let go by CSK as they look to rebuild with an eye on youth.

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