5 players Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might release ahead of IPL 2021 auction

CSK is ranked at the bottom of the Points Table in IPL 2020. The MS Dhoni-led side is experiencing its worst-ever IPL outing after having lost eight out of their first 11 matches in the campaign so far. One of CSK's main cause of concern has been their batting failure as a unit. Except for Faf Du Plessis, none of their batsmen have been able to stamp their authority in the ongoing IPL 2020. With an aging team, CSK management might consider releasing a few players ahead of IPL 2021.

The CSK team management has already expressed their mind to building a new squad around a few core players ahead of IPL 2021. As a result, it won't be surprising if CSK goes out and release a bulk of their senior players ahead of IPL 2021.

Here's a look at 5 players CSK might release ahead of IPL 2021:

1. Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav has had an ordinary season for the Yellow Army in IPL 2020. Going forward, Jadhav might be one of the first players to be released by CSK before the next season in early 2021. In the eight matches that Kedar featured in IPL 2020, he could only manage to score 62 runs at a paltry strike rate nearing 93. His performances this IPL have gained a lot of criticism especially due to the lack of intent shown by him in the death overs. In fact, in 23 IPL matches for CSK, Jadhav has scored 248 runs at a strike rate of less than 100 including a solitary fifty.

2. Piyush Chawla

Piyush Chawla has been another huge let down for CSK this season. Chawla was bought by the franchise IPL 2020 auction and was expected to play a crucial role for the team with all his experience. Despite being one of the leading wicket-takers in IPL, Chawla couldn't replicate his success for CSK in the ongoing IPL 2020. The 31-year old could only manage six wickets in 7 matches at an economy higher than nine runs in an over. Looking at his poor season, it would be fitting if CSK plan to release the veteran ahead of IPL 2021.

3. Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay has been historically one of the most successful openers for CSK. However, in IPL 2020, Vijay looked a pale shadow of himself in the three matches that he played this season. His overall tally of 32 runs at a strike rate of 74 didn't add any value to CSK's campaign in 2020. Overall the second coming of Murali Vijay into the CSK squad has been nothing short of forgettable after being picked in IPL 2018. It is time that CSK look beyond Vijay and invest in some young openers ahead of IPL 2021.

4. Shane Watson

Will Shane Watson Play IPL 2021?

It will be interesting to see if CSK will release Shane Watson ahead of IPL 2021. Watson has been an integral part of CSK's success in the last two years. The former Australian played a match-winning knock in 2018 IPL final and even got his tea, nearly over the line in the 2019 final against Mumbai Indians. However, Watson's form in IPL 2020 hasn't been up to the mark. His inconsistent run as an opener has hurt CSK's inability to post huge total with the bat. With youngsters being picked ahead of him in the fag end of the season, Shane Watson's run with CSK might well come to an end post IPL 2020 season.

5. Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo's name might be surprising, especially after being an integral part of CSK's success over the years in the IPL. Bravo is still a fantastic athletic but frequent injuries have hampered his case in contributing to the best of his abilities on the field. He is a great asset for any team if he is fully fit but with age not on his side, CSK may not retain him any further after IPL 2020. It is highly possible that DJ Bravi might also entertain any takers in IPL 2021.