IPL 2020: Aakash Chopra Picks Players CSK Might Release Before Next Auction

Former India opener, Aakash Chopra named a few players who Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could release before the auction for the IPL next year. It is being reported that there could be a meg-auction which will be preferred by a team like CSK who would be looking for a squad revamp.

CSK endured a difficult season, as they failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in their IPL history. The MS Dhoni-led side finished 7th on the points table with 6 wins- three of which coming in their last three games, only after they were eliminated from the playoff race.

In a disappointing season, there were a few positives for the yellow army. Sam Curran and Ruturaj Gaikwad along with Ravindra Jadeja’s batting were their bright spots. MS Dhoni has also confirmed that he will play for CSK next year- allowing to keep the core of the side intact.

CSK badly needs overhauling: Aakash Chopra

In a video uploaded on his official Facebook page, Aakash Chopra talked about the players who he believes will not play for CSK next season. With Shane Watson retired, Chopra feels other senior players like Imran Tahir and Murli Vijay will not be retained by the franchise. Tahir bowled in 3 matches and picked 1 wicket, and Vijay scored 32 runs in 3 innings.

The cricketer-turned-commentator didn’t show any compassion for middle-order batsman Kedar Jadhav saying that the team should part its way with the right-hander. Jadhav has abysmal time in the middle this season- he scored 62 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of 93 and didn’t hit a single maximum.

In his Facebook video, Aakash Chopra said, “Look, Shane Watson has already bid farewell, and in my opinion, Imran Tahir will also leave. I think this team should say goodbye to Kedar Jadhav. And I won’t be surprised if they discontinue with Murali Vijay as well.”

Chopra opined that some of the players from the CSK team may or may not play T20s anymore, but surely won’t play for CSK anymore. He said that leg-spinner, Piyush Chawla didn’t live up to his billing of 6.75 crore as picked 6 wickets in 7 matches at an economy of over 9. The 43-year-old doesn’t see seamer Monu Singh as well next year in yellow.

By offloading these players, CSK can boost their side with youngsters as the aforementioned players are also pretty expensive. Watson’s four crore are freed up, Jadhav’s 7.8 crore, Chawla’s 6.75 crore, Vijay’s 2 crore, and Tahir’s 1 crore will give a lot of money toCSK for buying young and talented cricketers.

“I think a lot of players from this team won’t be seen playing cricket again or at least won’t be seen plying their trade with CSK. If we talk about bowling then Piyush Chawla did alright but failed to live up to the expectations, so CSK might take a call there. I think Monu Singh won’t be seen again in CSK. This team badly needs overhauling,” Aakash Chopra added.

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