The mega auction is all set to happen for IPL 2022. As a result, all the teams will be engaged in shaping the right combination in a bid to pick a formidable IPL squad before the start of the season. As a retention rule in IPL, all the teams are entitled to retain only three players from their squad. Talking about Chennai Super Kings, under the leadership of MS Dhoni, the franchise has been one of the most successful teams in the IPL. It will be interesting to see the list of players retained by CSK ahead of the 2022 IPL auction.
CSK will have to be very smart with their aging players considering the three-year term of IPL in prospect. The team management might have to make some tough decisions by opting not to retain a few senior players considering their longevity in the upcoming few years in the IPL starting from 2022. The fact that IPL mega auction offers an opportunity to develop a formidable base of IPL players, it will be necessary for the Yellow Army to back some of their young rising stars as their retained players for IPL 2022 mega auction.
Here’s is a list of 3 players CSK might retain ahead of the 2022 Mega Auction:
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Chennai Super Kings might witness a complete overhaul in their setup going forward in the IPL. However, the focus would be to rope some promising youngsters who can take the legacy of CSK forward in this cash-rich league. Ruturaj Gaikwad ostensibly stands top on this list of players. The rookie showed his strong potential as an opener with four consecutive half-centuries in the IPL 2020.
He's a sweet timer of the ball and even when innovative shots attract fandom, Ruturaj has reaped rewards with his apt technique and textbook shot-making. The uncapped batsman can become a heavyweight opener in the upcoming years. He's definitely shown glimpses of what he can offer with the bat along with being a gun fielder. Considering CSK's way of having an eye for talent, it won't be a surprise if Gaikwad is one of the players retained by CSK in IPL 2022.
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2. MS Dhoni
It is but expected that MS Dhoni will be retained as CSK captain before the mega auction 2022. The Ranchi-born superstar might potentially be playing his last IPL for the ‘Yellow Army'. He might be under-performing in the last couple of seasons as a batter, but he's an incomparable asset as a leader within the group.
CSK might encourage Dhoni to groom one of the youngsters who can lead CSK in the future years. His captaincy skills coupled with his enriching experience are a potential threat to opposition teams. Under his guidance, CSK may script heroics and lead the team by example as his decision-making capacity is unmatched. Taking the team from strength to strength, MS Dhoni will be a vital cog in the team’s machinery in IPL 2022
3. Ravindra Jadeja
Over the years, Ravindra Jadeja has emerged as the backbone for the CSK. The Saurashtra-based allrounder has developed into a utility cricketer who is willing to deliver for the team's cause on most occasions. With his experience of nearly nine years at the international level, Jadeja is the skipper’s go-to person during crucial moments. It is rightly said that Jadeja cannot be ignored on the cricketing field. His exceptional fielding skills give an edge to the Chennai-based outfit.
In the last few years, his batting seems to be coming of age in each format. Under pressure, he has looked very effective with both the bat and ball. Overall, he is a genuine match-winner. He can be the core player for CSK in the years to follow. Hence, it is believed that CSK will retain him ahead of the next IPL auction.
