IPL 2021 Auction: Chennai Super Kings' Performance Rating

Chennai Super Kings entered IPL 2021 auction with INR 19.90 crores and six slots to fill, of which the overseas requirement was only one. Moeen Ali, who they bought for INR seven crores, was already expected to be on their radar. But Chennai should opt for the English all-rounder to open the innings since there are plenty of players at the lower order to perform the finisher’s role. And with Shane Watson retired from T20 cricket and subsequently released, the yellow army needs a swashbuckling opener.

While the lesser-known purchases in the domestic circuit did not raise eyebrows, buying Cheteshwar Pujara and shelling out INR 9.25 crores on K Gowtham did. Pujara remains a liability in the shortest format due to his strike rate and the inability to plunder big shots at will. With Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa, and Naryanan Jagadeesan on the side, India’s premier Test batsman might not get an opportunity.

IPL 2021 Auction: Chennai Super Kings’ Performance Rating

While K Gowtham is a promising player capable of striking some meaty blows with the bat and delivering four overs of spin, 9.25 crores indeed seemed overpriced. With R Sai Kishore, Karn Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja already in their domestic spin-bowling unit. the Super Kings could rotate them to slot Gowtham. Thus, Super Kings’ performance in the auction could be rated at 7 out of ten after the IPL 2021 auction.

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