Sunday, 22 December 2024
Sunday, 22 December 2024
Armed with a healthy budget of ₹55 crore, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are well-positioned to chase some marquee names in the the IPL 2025 mega auction, scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah. The franchise will approach the auction with one eye on the future and the other on bolstering their squad depth. With MS Dhoni’s legendary career nearing its twilight, the team must identify players who can fill key roles and carry forward his legacy.
Here are five players the Super Kings could target to maintain their dominance in the league.
Rishabh Pant: A potential heir to Dhoni’s throne
Rishabh Pant offers the perfect blend of flamboyant batting and sharp wicketkeeping. For CSK, Pant represents more than just a star player; he is a potential leader in the post-Dhoni era. His fearless approach on the field and prior captaincy experience with Delhi Capitals make him a strong candidate to take over the reins. Whether CSK entrusts him with leadership or allow him to grow under Dhoni’s mentorship, Pant’s inclusion would be a long-term investment.
Shreyas Iyer: The middle-order stabiliser
Shreyas Iyer’s consistency and leadership credentials make him an attractive prospect for CSK, who have struggled with an inconsistent middle order in recent seasons. Known for his ability to anchor innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate, Iyer could provide stability in the middle order. With his prior success as a captain, Iyer could also serve as a backup leadership option.
Rachin Ravindra: A spin-friendly all-rounder
Although CSK let Rachin Ravindra go ahead for the auction, they might consider using their Right-to-Match (RTM) card to retain him. Ravindra’s versatility with the bat and his left-arm spin make him a valuable asset on the spin-friendly Chepauk pitch. His ability to adapt to various batting roles complements retained players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube, adding depth and balance to CSK’s playing XI.
Sam Curran: A reunion worth the price
Sam Curran’s time with CSK in 2020 and 2021 showcased his all-round brilliance, with impactful performances in both batting and bowling. His departure to Punjab Kings in 2023 for a record-breaking ₹18.5 crore left a void in CSK’s arsenal. Curran’s ability to deliver in crunch situations, whether through death bowling or quickfire lower-order runs, makes him an ideal candidate for a homecoming.
Washington Sundar: Adding depth with a spinning all-rounder
Washington Sundar is a proven performer in the IPL and could ignite a bidding war in the auction. His ability to bowl economical overs in the powerplay and contribute valuable runs lower down the order fits CSK’s template of versatile players. With Ravindra Jadeja already in the squad, Sundar’s addition would give CSK unparalleled flexibility.
Targeting marquee players like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer could set the foundation for future success, while experienced all-rounders like Sam Curran and Washington Sundar offer immediate value.
