Faf du Plessis has been an asset for CSK in IPL. The Chennai Super Kings were the first IPL team to buy him. In 2016, he moved to Rising Pune Supergiant. But in 2018, he returned to CSK. The South African star was in great form this year. He middled the ball well.
Also, du Plessis has formed a great partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad. CSK might retain him ahead of IPL 2022 Mega Auction. If that happens, their opening partnership will be finalized. Hence, CSK might not go for another overseas opener. Thus, they might not target these five players.
1. CSK might not target Aaron Finch if they retain Faf du Plessis
Aaron Finch has played for many IPL teams. However, he has never been a part of CSK. Finch is Australia’s T20I captain. Also, he is number 2 in ICC T20I Rankings right now. Finch has played many big knocks in this format.
However, CSK might not go for him. The reason being Faf du Plessis’ presence in the squad. Finch has not done so well in the middle order. Playing two overseas openers might not be good for CSK’s balance. Hence, the team might ignore Finch at the mega auction.
2. Martin Guptill
Another player whom CSK might not target is Martin Guptill. The pitch at MA Chidambaram Stadium assists spinners. Meanwhile, Guptill prefers playing pace. Hence, he might not be in the CSK’s target list. Guptill is one of the T20 players in the world.
Surprisingly, he has not got IPL contracts of late. Perhaps, a 10-team IPL may benefit him. Guptill has played for multiple IPL teams in the past. But CSK will probably retain du Plessis. Hence, they might not need Guptill’s services.
3. Evin Lewis
Caribbean opener Evin Lewis has played for MI before. However, he struggled a bit on Indian pitches. Lewis can do well on batsman-friendly pitches. But CSK might not go for him at IPL Auction 2022. Faf du Plessis’ retention could possibly be one of the reasons.
MS Dhoni has backed du Plessis. The South African star has matched the expectations. So, Lewis might not get a contract from CSK. But just like Guptill, another team could sign him. He has hard-hitting power, suited for T20s.
4. CSK might not target Matthew Wade if they retain Faf du Plessis
Matthew Wade is an Australian wicketkeeper. He grabbed the attention during India’s Australian tour. Wade even captained his team in the series. He scored a good amount of runs with the willow. Hence, many expected him to bag an IPL 2021 contract.
Unfortunately, the same did not happen. But, he could play in IPL 2022. CSK might not look for him if they retain Faf du Plessis. Wade could get more chances to play in other teams. It will be interesting to see where he lands up.
5. Reeza Hendricks
Reeza Hendricks is Faf du Plessis’ compatriot. Hendricks opens for South Africa in T20Is. However, CSK might not prefer signing him in 2022. He bats in similar position as du Plessis. Also, he does not have much experience of playing in India.
Hendricks has done well in T20s. So, perhaps, he could gain an IPL deal, from another team in 2022. As far as CSK is concerned, team management will likely retain Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad as openers. They might prefer adding a backup. However, it would be good if they go for an Indian backup option.
