IPL 2021: Skoda backs out from CSK’s front jersey deal; Myntra in race as replacement

Before the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have found themselves in a bit of strife. To start with, Muthoot, their long-term jersey partner, didn’t renew their contract with MS Dhoni and Co. Now as per reports, Skoda, the renowned Czech car company, has backed out from the sponsorship deal with the three-time IPL champions.

Earlier, it was reported that Skoda was signing a deal worth INR 25 crores as a title sponsor for the upcoming tournament. However, the car company decided not to go ahead with the deal. It has been learned that Myntra, the popular online fashion company, is being seen as a replacement.

If reports are to be believed, the deal between Myntra and CSK is expected to be around 22 and 23 crores. CSK is known to attract sponsors for being a successful IPL team. But of late, the Super Kings seemed to have strained. As per industry experts, things are starting to take a turn.

“IPL is all about performance. When CSK was performing, Dhoni was on top of the world – brands were lining up CSK’s doors. With performance getting patchy by the day and Dhoni in retirement mode – it will be a little tough for CSK this year,” one of the top industry experts dealing in IPL team sponsorships was quoted as saying in InsideSport.

In the 2020 edition, CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in the history of the championship. In the auction, which took place on February 18 in Chennai, the Yellow Army bought five players.

The Super Kings went for Hari Nishanth, Bhagath Verma, Harishankar Reddy, and Cheteshwar Pujara at their base prices. The most they spent on was Krishnappa Gowtham, who went at INR 9.25 crores. CSK also roped in England’s Moeen Ali at INR 7 crores.

CSK squad for IPL 2021

MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, N Jagadeesan, Faf Du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sam Curran, Ravi Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Mitchell Santner, Josh Hazlewood, Shardul Thakur, Karn Sharma, KM Asif, Imran Tahir, R. Sai Kishore, Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi.

Players bought in the auction: Moeen Ali, Krishnappa Gowtham, Harisankar Reddy, Bhagath Varma, and Cheteshwar Pujara