IPL 2024 Auctions: MS Dhoni-led CSK released 8 players ahead of the IPL 2024 Auctions, which is set to be held on December 19. The franchise has retained most of its players and not tinkered with the overall balance of the squad. However, they will need some shopping during the IPL 2024 Auctions and this article will lead you through 3 players CSK should buy in the auctions.
CSK is known for its smart buys over the years and it has paid dividends to the franchise as well. They believe in not mixing and matching a lot of players during the mini-auctions to keep the balance of the squad intact unless something goes drastically wrong for the team, which so far hasn’t been the case.
CSK have INR 31.5 crores in their purse after releasing eight players from the squad including the likes of Ben Stokes, Dwaine Pretorius, Sisanda Magala, Bhagath Verma, Akash Singh, Subhranshu Senapati, Kyle Jamieson and Ambati Rayudu.
The yellow franchise has six slots to fill during the auction out of which three will be the overseas picks. Let’s discuss about 3 Players CSK Should Buy in the IPL 2024 Auction.
3 Players CSK Should Buy in IPL 2024 Auction
Manish Pandey
CSK’s middle order looks comparatively weak with the release of Ambati Rayudu, who has bid adieu to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Rayudu was mostly entrusted with accelerator’s role in the middle order after the stage was set by the top-order batters and he more often than not succeeded in his role.
Now, with the absence of Rayudu, CSK will have to find a replacement player, who can fill up the spot in the middle order. The franchise can look up to Manish Pandey, who has been released by Delhi Capitals (DC), for the role.
Over the years in the IPL, Manish Pandey has had the responsibility of middle order for different franchises and he has experienced decent success in it as well. Although the last couple of seasons haven’t been fruitful for the batter, his overall record remains quite noteworthy.
In 170 IPL matches, Pandey has mustered over 3,800 runs at an average of 29.07 and at a decent strike rate of 120.97. He has struck 22 half-centuries along with 1 century during his IPL career.
Shahrukh Khan
CSK can further bolster their IPL squad with the inclusion of Tamil Nadu star batter Shahrukh Khan. The batter not only brings stability to the team but also provides an option to have another finisher, besides MS Dhoni.
It’s a no-brainer that MS Dhoni won’t play for longer anymore. The upcoming edition of the tournament could be his final dance in the tournament. So the franchise will require someone who can do the job in the future. Moreover, Shahrukh’s inclusion also goes well with CSK’s policy to nurture homegrown talent into a future superstar.
Shahrukh Khan has played three seasons of the Indian Premier League, but his best performance, so far, has come in the recently held IPL 2023. In 14 appearances for Punjab Kings, the Tamil Nadu batter amassed 156 runs at a fantastic strike rate of 165.96.
Gerald Coetzee
One of the issues CSK needs to address in the IPL 2024 Auction will be their bowling abilities in the middle overs. Moreover, with the unavailability of Ben Stokes, the position looks even more demanding for CSK.
South African pacer Gerald Coetzee would be a decent choice to tie up the laces in the middle order. Coetzee had a fantastic outing in the recently concluded World Cup 2023 in India. He became the lead pacer for his side throughout the event and returned with the memorable figure of 20 scalps in eight matches.
In fact, his performance in the Australia tour of South Africa 2023 was clinical where he picked up three wickets in the T20Is and six in ODIs.
ALSO READ: IPL 2024: 5 Foreign Players Who May Become Expensive Buys During IPL 2024 Auction
For More, Check The Official Site: IPLT20