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5 players CSK might target during IPL auctions 2024
CSK is one of the most successful franchises in the history of the IPL. Along with Mumbai Indians, CSK has the greatest number of titles for a team in the league. Both the teams have 5 titles to their name in the league. But CSK also happens to be the team with the highest number of appearances in the playoffs of the league. The success of the franchise is unparalleled.
The fact that CSK did not compete in two seasons due to the ban in 2016 and 2017 respectively, and yet being one of the most successful franchises in the league is an astonishing feat. Ahead of the IPL 2024, CSK would be looking for some players to purchase, as they released some of their players from the side like Ben Stokes. The South Indian franchise would be looking to get better players.
Here are the five players who might potentially be targeted by Chennai Super Kings.
5. Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur (Source: Twitter)
Shardul Thakur is one of the most useful players in T20 cricket. The bowling All-rounder can contribute to different facets of the game. As a bowler, Shardul can be handy in the middle overs, where he can break crucial partnerships. As a batter, Shardul can be handy down the order. The lower-order batter has proved that he could finish the matches all by himself, if necessary.
Over the years, Shardul has grown in stature. The Indian player has remained at the top of his game in the last few months and is good to go for the IPL 2024. KKR released him ahead of the season, owing to different reasons. CSK, who had Shardul with them for 4 seasons from 2018 to 2021, might look to get back their former player, who played a key role in the team’s wins in 2018 and 2021.
4. Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan (Source: Twitter)
Shah Rukh Khan is one of the best-uncapped players in the league. At the same time, he is also one of the players in huge demand. The Tamil Nadu player has been in good form in the domestic circuit. For Tamil Nadu, Khan has performed well over the years. in the TNPL 2023, Khan performed a notch above by contributing with the ball as well. He stepped up as a captain too.
Punjab Kings bought him for a huge price for the IPL 2022. Shah Rukh did not have a great time with them for a couple of seasons. As a result, they gave up on the uncapped player. Ahead of the IPL 2024, Khan is likely to be in demand given his versatility and added skills. The fact that he is a local player from Tamil Nadu might also make a case for himself to be picked by CSK in the auctions.
3. Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga (Source: Twitter)
Wanindu Hasaranga has not been at his fittest best in the last few months. Right towards the end of the Lanka Premier League 2023, Hasaranga sustained an injury. Despite his unavailability, his team went on to win the title. But the Sri Lankan player performed at a phenomenal level in the league. He was the leading run scorer and the leading wicket-taker at the same time in the tournament.
Ahead of the IPL 2024 auctions, RCB released him, as he probably cost them a lot for a couple of seasons. Given the fact that he has not been able to return to his fitness, teams might not be as interested in him as they otherwise would have been. But CSK is known for backing players. When they sense a high-quality player not being in high demand, they pounce on it.
2. Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra (Source: Twitter)
Rachin Ravindra was the most exciting youngster to watch out for in the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023. The Kiwi batter set the stage on fire, as he became one of the leading run scorers in the tournament. For someone aged less than 24, Rachin ended with the greatest number of runs in a single edition of the ODI World Cup. To do it in his debut season is highly impressive.
In the tournament, Ravindra batted mostly as an opener or at number 3. If necessary, he can finish the innings as well. With the ball, Ravindra can bowl some overs. He is a left-arm orthodox spinner. All these factors might force CSK to go behind him. The nature of the wicket in MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai suits his style of bowling. He has set his base price at INR 50 lakhs for the auctions.
1. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc (Source: Twitter)
Mitchell Starc is one of the bowlers in high demand in the league. When he was at his prime in the mid-2010s, he was unplayable. In international cricket and the IPL, Starc was a beast in the period. For RCB, Starc bowled very well in a couple of seasons. The left-arm pacer was both economical and wicket-taking. But after 2015, Starc has not played a single match in the league.
It has been more than 8 years since Starc took part in the league. But given his skill sets, Starc is set to be in huge demand. The Australian pacer recently helped his team to win the ODI World Cup 2023. Given his unique style of bowling, Starc would be looked upon by every team. CSK might be one of them, as they need a pacer who could swing the ball at an extreme pace and be handy at the death as well.