IPL 2021 auction is the best CSK have had till now: Gautam Gambhir

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) strategy in the latest IPL auction has left many baffled. The majority had expected the franchise to have a busy auction after the poor campaign in IPL 2020. For the first time in their history, CSK failed to make it to the playoffs of the competition. The MS Dhoni-led side somehow managed to avoid a last-place finish and eventually ended their campaign at the seventh spot.

Unsurprisingly, several pundits and fans predicted that the franchise would revamp the squad in order to make a strong comeback in IPL 2021. CSK, however, had different plans as they decided against revamping their squad. Since the start of the IPL, CSK have always believed in keeping the root of the team intact and they did the same once again.

The three-time champions  went after specific players rather than bidding for as many players as possible. The costliest buy was K Gowtham as they shelled out Rs 9.25 crores for his services. The three-time IPL winners also bought England all-rounder Moeen Ali ( Rs 7 crore) and India Test star Cheteshwar Pujara (Rs 50 lakh). In addition to the aforementioned names, CSK bought three other uncapped players as backups.

Gautam Gambhir on CSK’s auction strategy:

While CSK’s strategy at the auction has divided opinions, former India opener Gautam Gambhir was all praise for it. The former Kolkata Knight Riders skipper was happy with CSK’s strategy as he said that it was the best auction the franchise has had till now. Gambhir also opined that this very strategy is the reason behind’s CSK success over the years.

“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,” Gautam Gambhir told Star Sports.

He also praised CSK for not going all out for all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. CSK showed a keen interest in the Australian but backed out after his price went up. Maxwell was eventually bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 14.25 crore. Gambhir further said that Moeen and Gowtham could help CSK win the IPL.

“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. Yes, there are some massive buys from RCB and Punjab Kings, but what CSK wanted, they got it, and that’s what auctions are all about. It is not about paying huge money, but about picking who you think can add value to your squad. Both Moeen and Gowtham can deliver and actually win them the tournament as well. Both are great options for CSK,” added Gautam Gambhir.