Chennai Super Kings overcame the haunting memories of the disappointing IPL 2020 season to become the first team to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2021. Despite this, CSK will have to make a few changes to its setup ahead of the mega-auction in 2022. Since most of the players in the current line-up are on the wrong side of their thirties, CSK will have to be wise while deciding on whom they will retain for the next three-year cycle. In this article, we take a look at four players Chennai Super Kings might target to retain ahead of IPL 2022 mega-auction.
1) MS Dhoni
In the 14 games of the league stage of IPL 2021, MS Dhoni was able to score just 96 runs. This is despite him getting ample opportunities. He is also 40-years-old and would cost around INR 15 crores to be retained. However, Dhoni’s brand name and his exemplary captaincy and wicket-keeping skills could make CSK retain him ahead of IPL 2022 auctions.
In one of the recent interviews, Dhoni expressed his desire to play his final IPL game at Chepauk. An India Cements reportedly confirmed that CSK would retain MSD. Dhoni also said that it is “uncertainty” if he would continue as a player for CSK. Any decision of CSK would eventually depend on Dhoni’s personal decision of continuing to play or not.
2) Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja, apart from picking 10 wickets, also scored 227 runs in the league stage of IPL 2021. His batting performance includes two splendid knocks against RCB and KKR at the death. Of course, with the ball and on the field, Jaddu has been effective like he has been over the years in the competition.
Jaddu is India’s most improved cricketer in recent years. He will surely be one of the players CSK would want to retain before the IPL 2022 mega-auction. Unless Jaddu himself wants a change, it is a no-brainer that CSK will retain him. In fact, the Saurashtra all-rounder could also captain the franchise from IPL 2022 if MS Dhoni decides to retire.
3) Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad started his IPL career on a disappointing note, but ever since he struck form, the Maharashtra cricketer has been unstoppable. While he made consecutive fifties at the back end of IPL 2020, Rutu scored 533 runs in the league stage of IPL 2021. Against Rajasthan Royals, he also made a stunning century.
Having made his India debut against Sri Lanka, Rutu’s stocks have hit the roof. If left to the auctions, he is going to garner a huge bid. Hence, CSK would target to retain him. The opener is still young and is amazingly talented. He would take care of the opening position for years to come and being a player with a calm head, he can also be a captaincy candidate in the future.
4) Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis is one of the cricketers CSK might target to retain ahead of the IPL 2022 mega-auction. Of course, this would depend on whether Faf would be a part of the tournament. He is already 37, and any decision of CSK will first depend on Faf’s preference.
The South African scored 546 runs in 14 games in the league stage of IPL 2021. He was also the highest scorer for the team in IPL 2020. With such consistency, he can be good retention for CSK for future years. He is also a terrific fielder and will add strength to the leadership group.
