CSK walked into this year’s mini-auction after having released some of their ageing members and acquiring Robin Uthappa in a trade deal from the Rajasthan Royals. At the auction table, the Chennai-based franchise went all-in for all-rounders Moeen Ali and Krishnappa Gowtham while investing in some youth players as well. Gautam Gambhir Praises CSK, who believed that they had their best auction to date.
Chennai Super Kings(CSK) affair with spinners isn’t hidden from any fan. With the Chepauk pitch always known for spinners, the MS Dhoni-led side has often played 3 spinners in their Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and spun a web around their opponents. With the likes of Harbhajan Singh and Piyush Chawla released ahead of the IPL 2021 auction, Gautam Gambhir feels England’s Moeen Ali could.
CSK entered into the auction fray with an intense bidding war against RCB for all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. After losing out on the player, the Yellow Army quickly shifted their backup plan to snatch Moeen Ali for Rs 7 Crore. They sought yet another off-spinner all-rounder in the form of Krishnappa Gowtham and roped in for a sum of Rs 9.2 Crore, making him the highest ever uncapped Indian player.
Gautam Gambhir Explained that CSK Trusted Their Unit Despite The Talks Of Squad Revamp
Speaking on Star Sports, 2-time IPL winning skipper Gautam Gambhir explained that CSK them requiring a complete overhaul. The former Kolkata Knight Riders skipper was happy with CSK’s strategy as he said that it was the best auction the franchise has had till now. Gambhir also opined that this very strategy is the reason behind’s CSK success over the years.
“Where is the revamp? Probably other teams needed to have more revamp than the CSK. It was the worst season they had, as everyone was talking about because they couldn’t qualify for the playoffs. But they go into the auction and buy 3 players, and sit happily, in what I think is the best auction they have had till now, as compared to the other side. This is how you build aside, this is how you build a legacy over a long period of time,” Gautam Gambhir told Star Sports.
“They initially went really hard for Glenn Maxwell, but later in that same price, they have got K Gowtham and Moeen Ali. So when you can get two players at the price of one. I know people may say that they have only bought 3 players till now, but for me, this is the best auction that CSK have had.”
“Yes, there are some massive buys from RCB and Punjab Kings, but what CSK wanted, they got it, and that’s what auctions are all about. It is not about paying huge money, but about picking who you think can add value to your squad. Both Moeen and Gowtham can deliver and actually win them the tournament as well. Both are great options for CSK,” concluded Gautam Gambhir.
