Picture Credit: IPL/BCCI
While cricket fans around the world are eagerly waiting for the second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 set to get underway in September, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials are already planning for the mega-auction which is to be held ahead of the 2022 season. It's an exciting time for the fans but at the same time, franchisees need to be on point with their planning since a lot of players are available at the pool with a cap on the number of players that can be retained.
While earlier it was learned that a maximum of four players- either two overseas and two domestic players or three domestic and one overseas cricketer in the team- will be retained, it is now being reported that only 3 players could be retained by the franchises.
Moreover, the franchises would deduct the salaries of these three players from their purses before they enter the auctions. In addition, the BCCI is also reportedly set to increase the purse from INR 85 crore to 90 crore with the addition of two new teams from next year. Given the changes in the policy, here is a look at the possible players that Chennai Super Kings can likely retain before going into the auctions.
Since mega auctions give a franchise to build a team for the future, MS Dhoni may not be considered for retention which means IPL 2021 could be the last time he walks out for CSK as a player but who knows.
1. Ravindra Jadeja
In all likelihood, CSK are likely to retain Ravindra Jadeja. He is perhaps the most improved all-rounder in recent years and has only taken his game to the next level. Jaddu not only is an asset with the bat and ball but is superb on the field and has the ability to change the course of the match with his dives, catches and direct hits. One can't simply let go of a talent like him and if he goes into the auction pool, he is set to attract a huge bidding war and CSK may have to pay more than his current contract in order to keep him if they aim at getting him back from the auctions.
2. Sam Curran
Sam Curran has certainly been the "spark" captain MS Dhoni famously spoke about the team lacking in 2020. He has done everything the team has asked of him and even came on to bat at the top of the order last year to give the innings some impetus. Moreover, he can bowl upfront as well as at the death and is a good fielder as well. At 23 years of age, his best is presumably yet to come and Chennai would want to reap the benefits of his best years after having trusted him early.
3. Deepak Chahar
This could well be a dilemma for CSK management, the debate around the third spot. Perhaps they could invest in Ruturaj Gaikwad but Deepak Chahar, given how he has changed gamed with predominantly the bowl but also sometimes chipping in with a few useful runs, can just beat Rutu to that place. This will be a very marginal call though but Deepak has proved himself over a longer period than Ruturaj and that might just seal the deal in favour of him.