IPL 2019: One wrong retention and release by each team

6. Chennai Super Kings

Wrongly retained – Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay had once formed one of the most formidable partnerships in IPL with Matthew Hayden and later with Michael Hussey. His greatest innings in the tournament was 127 against Rajasthan Royals in 2010 on a winning note. That was his greatest season, amassing 458 runs in 15 matches. He played for Chennai Super Kings till 2013.

Vijay then switched two franchises in three years but failed to replicate the same form in the subsequent tournaments. He was bought again by Chennai last year but played just the one match, scoring 12 runs. With the defending champions having a settled opening pair in Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson, Vijay may not find a place in the playing eleven at all.

Wrongly released – Mark Wood

The English speedster was bought for INR 1.5 crores last year, however, played only the first match of the season before returning home for the Test series against Pakistan. He went on to concede 49 runs in his four-over spell despite starting well. 

Although, Chennai have been smart enough to retain David Willey, Lungi Ngidi, and Mitchell Santner, in case of which one or two of the three may have to return to their respective countries for World Cup, Wood, not being a certain starter in playing eleven for England, could’ve filled the void. His T20 record isn’t bad either as the fast bowler has picked 25 wickets in 22 outings.