IPL 2021: Gautam Gambhir Not Optimistic About Chennai Super Kings' Playoff Chances
Published - 07 Apr 2021, 05:09 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:43 AM
Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has opined on Chennai Super Kings’ playoff chances in IPL 2021. Chennai Super Kings are arguably one of the most successful teams in IPL history; however, they endured a forgettable IPL last year as they failed to reach the knockouts. Gautam Gambhir, Aakash Chopra, and Sanjay Manjrekar do not think that the three-time champions have a chance this year either; however, their strategy in the auctions impressed Gambhir.
Chennai Super Kings’ batting line-up struggled big time in IPL 2020 in the UAE as it failed to put up compelling totals and failed to chase on most occasions successfully. Their captain MS Dhoni had a poor outing as well since he managed only 200 runs in 14 matches at 25, keeping an awful strike rate of 116.28. With Suresh Raina back for IPL 2021 after missing the 13th season, it’s a massive boost for them. “They might do a little better than what they did last season, but qualification might still be a little too far away” Aakash Chopra told ESPN Cricinfo.
Gautam Gambhir said that he anticipated more revamp from the Chennai Super Kings as it was the worst season they had, failing to reach the playoffs for the first time. Nevertheless, Gambhir conceded that the Super Kings buying only three players and that it was the best strategy amongst other sides. Gambhir believes that it is how any team builds a legacy over a period of time.
“Where is the revamp? Probably other teams needed to have more revamp than the CSK. It was the worst season they had, as everyone was talking about because they couldn’t qualify for the playoffs. But they go into the auction and buy 3 players, and sit happily, in what I think is the best auction they have had till now, as compared to the other side. This is how you build a side, this is how you build a legacy over a long period of time,” Gambhir told Star Sports.
They initially went really hard for Glenn Maxwell: Gautam Gambhir
The 39-year old observed that initially Chennai went wild after Glenn Maxwell; however, they secured Moeen Ali and Krishnappa Gowtham at the same price. Gambhir refuses to criticize yellow army’s performance in the auction even if they bought only three players.
“They initially went really hard for Glenn Maxwell, but later in that same price, they have got K Gowtham and Moeen Ali. So when you can get two players at the price of one. I know people may say that they have only bought 3 players till now, but for me, this is the best auction that CSK have had,” he added.
