The reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) rode on some all-round performances to end up second-best on the IPL 2019 points table. At the last minute, based on net run-rate former champions, Mumbai Indians (MI) had replaced the defending champions to atop the charts. However, it is also got challenging to pick three players whom CSK might release ahead of the 13th IPL edition.
In between, show and no-show, CSK has prevailed during the 44-day long schedule which included as many as 56 matches. For the most time of the IPL season, CSK has maintained top spot by playing with an entirely different mindset. And with MS Dhoni at the helm, things become quite easier for the team.
CSK won nine and lost five, interestingly, the Chennai-based franchise has lost both the games when Suresh Raina-led in Dhoni’s absence.
In the batting department, skipper Dhoni has led from the front – he has garnered 368 runs in nine innings at an incredible average of 122.67. His deputy – Raina follows him with 359 runs in 14 innings.
However, Proteas leg-spinner Imran Tahir has dominated the charts with 21 wickets in 14 matches.
On the other side, Faf du Plessis has played some match-winning innings. He scored 314 runs in nine innings at an average of 121.71.
In between, Shane Watson has struggled before his 96-run innings came against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He is likely to be retained.
On the other side, Dwayne Bravo has looked dismal with the bat. He has amassed 65 runs in seven innings at an average of 16.25. However, he has managed to bag nine wickets in the same number of games.
Overall, the CSK would be highly-likely retaining their core group despite some bleak show from a couple of players.
Here’s the list of players who might not feature for the CSK:
Kedar Jadhav:
The all-rounder in the form of Kedar Jadhav has struggled with his fitness. Of late, he has been marred by injuries. Also, in the IPL 2019, Jadhav couldn’t do much with the bat. He has amassed 162 runs at an average of 18.
With his strike-rate under hundred (95.86), Jadhav might face axe for the next season.
However, it was surprising he couldn’t get the opportunity to bowl for the CSK.
Karn Sharma:
The 31-year-old spinner Karn Sharma has managed to play a solitary game for the CSK. He bowled 3.5 overs to concede 33 runs for a wicket. But by looking at CSK’s options, they might look for a youngster on adding variety to their spin bowling department.
This might seem a bit harsh on the axing of Karn, but this is how the IPL has unfolded since 2008.
Overall, in 62 matches, Karn has bagged 54 wickets at an average of 26.75. It looks Super Kings would opt for a
Scott Kuggeleijn:
The Kiwis all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn has come as a replacement for Lungi Ngidi amid the ongoing IPL. But the New Zealand cricketer has managed to get two games in which he has bagged two wickets. While considering the long-term plan, CSK would decide against to play with Kuggeleijn despite showing what he is capable of doing with the ball.
He has conceded 71 runs in his eight overs.