With four IPL trophies in their cabinet, Chennai Super Kings is one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. Usually, IPL championships are won on the auction table and the CSK management has been usually terrific at the bidding event. While they usually make smart buys, at times, the franchise has also splurged on their primary targets. A few have done well while some of them could not contribute much. On that note, in this article, we take a look at what the five most expensive buys by CSK in IPL history are up to at the moment.
5. Moeen Ali – 7 CR (IPL 2021)
CSK did not qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2020. It was the first time that the franchise did not make it to the Top 4 in the editions that it was participating in. A major reason for this was the lack of an aggressor in the middle-order. Hence, the team tried to correct this at the IPL 2021 Auctions.
Although they tried for Glenn Maxwell, after not getting him, CSK was hell-bent on procuring English all-rounder Moeen Ali. They paid INR 7 cr and the player did extremely well for the franchise. After a stunning debut campaign for the men in yellow, Moeen has also earned a retention before IPL 2022. The all-rounder has quit Test cricket and recently, in the absence of Eoin Morgan, Moeen also captained his country.
4. Andrew Flintoff – 7.6 CR (IPL 2009)
A seam-bowling all-rounder adds terrific balance to a T20 XI. Hence, they are rated highly. Moreover, if the player is of the stature of Flintoff, teams will be ready to break the bank to sign the player. However, the Englishman did not have a good IPL season in 2009. He played three games, scored 62 runs and collected two wickets. Flintoff never came back to play the tournament again.
At the moment, Flintoff is a TV presenter and has also involved himself in reality shows. After his cricketing career got over, the former player also had a stint as a boxer.
3. Kedar Jadhav – 7.8 CR (IPL 2018)
Kedar Jadhav was in good form around 2018. Hence, CSK shelled out a large chunk of their purse to get him. However, in that very season, he suffered an injury and could not take part in a lot of games.
After he came back, he never got going. He was then released and in IPL 2021, Kedar turned up for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Currently, he is taking part in domestic events and will want to get another opportunity to showcase his skills in IPL 2022.
2. Ravindra Jadeja – 9.2 CR (IPL 2012)
In 2012, Ravindra Jadeja was hired for $2 million by CSK. Even Deccan Chargers were ready to pay the same amount. Hence, there was a tie-breaker and CSK won the bid.
Since then, Jaddu has been a consistent performer for the franchise. In fact, in recent years, he has been the best for his team. Ahead of IPL 2022, he was retained as the first retention for INR 16 cr. As per reports, he is likely to become the captain of the franchise after MS Dhoni retires.
1. Krishnappa Gowtham – 9.25 CR (IPL 2021)
K Gowtham stands at No.1 on this list of most expensive buys by CSK in IPL history. Harbhajan Singh pulled out of IPL 2020 and without a good domestic off-spinner, the franchise struggled. Hence, they went after KG, who also offered power-hitting abilities. However, the Karnataka player did not get a single game with the franchise.
Currently, Gowtham is preparing for the Ranji season. He was part of India A squad that went to South Africa. The all-rounder is also a part of the IPL 2022 Auctions. After the India phase of IPL 2021, he also got to make his debut for India but could not cement his place.
