IPL 2021: CSK likely to purchase Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Dawid Malan in the mini-auction.
Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021: Referred to as the most consistent side of Indian Premier League even after a debacle in the previous edition. MS Dhoni-led CSK retained as many as 18 players including their core group. The franchise will be led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni and has retained many important players.
Chennai would love to start afresh leaving behind the previous thoughts of IPL 2020. CSK for the first time fell short of the IPL playoffs.
CSK as expected released some of the players who were on the wrong side of the ’30s and the list includes six players. Kedar Jadhav, Harbhajan Singh, Shane Watson (Retired), Piyush Chawla, Monu Singh and Murli Vijay.
“The management took the decision to release the players after looking at their performance in the last couple of years. We have retained and released the players on the basis of their last season performance,” said CSK CEO KS Vishwanathan.
CSK being one of the most consistent sides and believes in backing the core players, however, this time they will surely go for the quality overseas options. CSK needs an explosive player at number 5-6.
According to the reports, CSK will go for the three overseas option in the IPL 2021 mini-auctions. Steve Smith (released by Rajasthan Royals), Glenn Maxwell (released by Kings XI Punjab) and Dawid Malan will be their key focus.
Our Key focus is Glenn Maxwell: Source
“This time the franchise needs an explosive batsman, the management is keen on acquiring one of the three options (Steve Smith, Dawid Malan and Glenn Maxwell). Maxwell and Malan have more chances of the bid as they can power the innings anytime,” a source close to CSK told.
Glenn Maxwell had a forgettable season last time with Kings XI Punjab. The Australian all-rounder could not manage to score big for his team. However, one season does not define the ability of the player. He has the power to turn the table in one go. Maxwell’s bowling can come handy to MS Dhoni at times.
The chances of the other two are less but they are still on the race. CSK can opt for Dawid Malan as they have released Shane Watson their opener. CSK will require an opener however, they have tried with Sam Curran.
Malan would surely be one of the highest picks of IPL 2021 mini-auction. The English batsman broke into the number 1 of the ICC T20I batsmen ranking chart in just 17-18 international games.
Steve Smith can be an option for CSK if they do not get former two in the auctions. Smith has an experience and he along with Dhoni and Raina can become an aggressive pair.
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