IPL 2022: Four players CSK are likely to retain ahead of mega auction

The Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings is arguably one of the most successful teams of the IPL. Though the side had a dismaying outing in IPL 2020 as they did not qualify for the playoffs for the first time in the history of the tournament, they made a stronger comeback. With the same core players, the side lifted the trophy in 2021.

However, heading into the new season, the team will need to form a new setup. With the mega auction on cards, it will be intriguing to watch the players CSK will look to retain.

Thus, in this article let’s have a look at the players CSK might retain ahead of the mega auction:

MS Dhoni

Ever since his international retirement, Dhoni’s future in the IPL has been one of the most discussed topics. Over the course of time, he has been the face of the franchise and is one of the strongest links of the team. He has led the team to four title wins and is the soul of the team.

Though one might have witnessed a dip in his form lately, Dhoni has done wonders to the team with his street smart captaincy. On many occasions, the skipper has successfully carried the team through crunch moments. In the Qualifier 1 last season, Dhoni played a quickfire knock to enable the team to book their seat for the summit clash. That probably portrayed that he still has a lot of cricket left in him.

Ravindra Jadeja

The all-rounder provides unbelievable balance to any team he features for. He can change the fortune of the game with both the bat and the ball. When it comes to fielding as well, he is a gun fielder and thus is an important asset of the side.

In the last season, he played an exceptional inning against RCB wherein he smashed 36 runs in an over. Not only this, he has chimed in with many impressive all-rounder shows for CSK. It would be almost impossible to buy him back if he is released and the team would thus put their thinking hats on to retain him.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

The opening batter is already termed as the next big thing in Indian cricket. With his sheer technique and impressive batting style, he grabbed the attention of the cricket on-lookers. In IPL 2021, Gaikwad blew the trumpet of his repertoire by providing the team with steady starts.

Looking at the future of the team, CSK might retain him as he can very well go down as one of the best batters on the side. He finished the last season with 635 runs to his account and was thus awarded as the orange cap winner. He averaged 45.35 in the tournament as he had a sensational outing in the previous edition.

Moeen Ali

The English all-rounder has been a key all-rounder for the Men in Yellow. Ali being a left-handed batsman adds variety to the batting line-up. He is super aggressive against spin thus he boosts CSK’s run rate in the powerplay overs. He is also a quality off-spinner. This allows the team to use him as a weapon against left-handed batsmen. Ali adds value in all three departments and Chennai should retain him.

In the 2021 season, Ali scored 357 runs in 15 matches at an average of 25.50 with a strike rate of 137.30. The offie also snared 6 wickets in the 25.2 overs that he delivered.