Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have arguably been the most consistent team in the IPL. They seemed to have got back the mojo that made them earned the most consistent team title. CSK’s greatest strength over the years has been retaining its core group of players. Players like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, and Faf du Plessis have formed the core CSK group. Stay with us to know Players On Whom CSK Could Use The RTM.
The mega auctions will test CSK’s loyalty factor. CSK will be having a tough job on their hands strategizing the players to retain and let go. They are quite likely to retain the all-around trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, and Sam Curran. CSK will be keen to build their team for the next 3 years around them. This brings us to the question of whom will CSK retain through the Right to Match (RTM) card?
StumpsandBails looks at 5 different players whom CSK might retain using the RTM in the mega auctions:
#5 Krishnappa Gowtham
Krishnappa Gowtham can hit the long ball down the order. He is a smart operator with the ball too. CSK invested heavily in Gowtham in IPL 2021 auctions. They will be quite keen to have such a versatile player amongst their ranks. CSK will bring out the RTM to retain Gowtham’s services.
#4 Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad has been one of the shining lights for CSK in the past couple of seasons. His class and confidence at the top of the order have won widespread acclaim. Gaikwad has looked self-assured and he sure will warrant an RTM card from CSK. CSK head coach, Stephen Fleming had openly admitted that they might lose a talent like Gaikwad to a mega auction. This is proof in itself that CSK is already planning to retain this diminutive right-hander.
#3 Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar is probably the most underrated T20 Indian seamer. He has been nothing short of exceptional for CSK. The fact that Chahar was off-colour last season dampened CSK’s chances speaks volumes about his contribution to the side. Chahar was instrumental in CSK winning in 2018 and ending up as finalists in 2019. He is one of the finest new-ball exponents in the limited-overs game currently. CSK will surely look to retain Chahar via the RTM.
#2 Mahendra Singh Dhoni
MS Dhoni is arguably one of the IPL greats. He is CSK’s best brand both on and off the field. It is difficult to imagine a CSK side not retaining Dhoni. But the management might just be forced to take that decision as Dhoni at INR 15 crores might not be worth the gamble at this stage. CSK may instead look to retain him via the RTM. It might probably be the first time Dhoni may go under the hammer post the iconic first season in 2008.
#1 Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis is someone who has been ageing like a fine wine. He is one of the few openers in the last 2 seasons to have averaged consistently above 40 and have a strike rate above 140. Plessis has shown no signs of wearing out. CSK might well take a hunch on him via the RTM. The fact that he is a strong leader who knows CSK well may aid his retention too.
Also read: 5 Finishers India Should Develop for 2023 World Cup
