CSK Plans Major Overhaul: 10 Players Likely to Be Released Ahead of IPL Auction

Chennai Super Kings is one of the most successful franchises in the IPL. Although the last season was a nightmare for the five-time champions. CSK has never seen such a bad time in their history. Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s team also set an embarrassing record of losing 5 consecutive matches. In the end, the farewell bell rang in the group stage. According to former cricketers who played for Chennai, Chennai’s failure to build a good team in the auction is the reason for such a disaster.

Chennai Super Kings authorities are looking to re-form the team in the upcoming IPL auction. It can be said that the five-time champions are thinking of changing the structure of the team. Indian media reports say that they may release 10 cricketers. The list of layoffs includes mainly older cricketers.

CSK wants to form a team with cricketers who can win matches. They also feel that the current team is not aggressive enough. Again, they do not have the money to hire new cricketers. Therefore, a plan is being made to release 10 cricketers and raise about Rs 34.5 crore. CSK authorities are eyeing several aggressive batters.

Chennai authorities bought young cricketers like Ayush Matre, Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis in the last auction. They are looking to build a team with young aggressive cricketers like them. Chennai authorities are also disappointed with some young cricketers. Those cricketers may be released before the next auction or may be sold to another team.

According to a report in an all-India media, the Chennai authorities have prepared a preliminary list. Ravichandran Ashwin’s name is on that list. The experienced off-spinner was bought by Chennai for Rs 9.75 crore in the last auction. Kiwi wicketkeeper-batter Devon Conway is also named. He was bought for Rs 6.25 crore. New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is also named. Chennai bought him for Rs 4 crore.

Apart from this, the list includes Rahul Tripathi (Rs 3.40 crore), Sam Curran (Rs 2.40 crore), Gurjapaneet Singh (Rs 2.20 crore), Nathan Ellis (Rs 2 crore), Deepak Hooda (Rs 1.75 crore), Jamie Overton (Rs 1.50 crore), Vijay Shankar (Rs 1.20 crore). If these cricketers are released, Chennai will get Rs 34.45 crore. Apart from this, Chennai’s management is also considering releasing a few more players. They want to raise Rs 40 crore in the upcoming auction to build a new team.

CSK officials want an aggressive batter in the top and middle order of the batting line-up. In this case, their first choice is Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson. Chennai authorities are also eyeing good Indian all-rounders suitable for T20 cricket. There is no question of Dhoni’s name being on Chennai’s cut list. They are planning to build a strong team with him. They have thought of forming the core group of the team with Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaekwad, Mathisha Pathirana and Shivam Dubey.

Chennai officials had contacted Rajasthan Royals authorities for Sanju. Rajasthan wants Ruturaj and Conway in place of Sanju. Chennai again does not agree to this condition. Chennai will not release Ruturaj. He is the declared captain of the team since last season. Chennai wants to buy Sanju only with money. Rajasthan authorities again do not agree to that. Although discussions are ongoing between the two sides, the chances of a solution are considered low.

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