IPL: 5 Players Chennai Super Kings regret not retaining

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made a roaring comeback into the IPL last year by winning the title against some specific odds. In the mega-auction before season 11, every team was given three retentions and a couple of right to match cards. MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina were their first two picks from the franchise and Ravindra Jadeja was the final retention from them. CSK used their RTM cards for their two of their most trusted overseas players; Dwayne Bravo and Faf du Plessis.

The core remained intact but they missed out on buying back some of their experienced players. Although CSK won the title last year and are bossing the points table this season, they would have been appeased to have these players back in their squad. Nevertheless, the players are doing well for other teams consistently and the Men in Yellow should’ve thought twice before releasing them.

Here we bring you five players whom CSK regret not retaining:

1. Vijay Shankar

Many would be surprised to know that India’s number four in the World Cup was once part of the CSK. The ‘three-dimensional’ player earned his world cup spot with impressive performances in the last three months. A batsman who can bowl is a desired commodity in limited-overs cricket.

Shankar played just a solitary game for CSK but didn’t get the chance to showcase his skills with the bat. CSK released him only for SRH to gain the services of the all-rounder. But injuries and lack of opportunities kept him out for a couple of years. He played four matches in 2017 and scored at an average of 50 and strike rate of 134. SRH didn’t keep faith in him and was purchased by the Delhi franchise.

It was the 2018 IPL season which shot Shankar’s career through ranks. Taking up the finisher’s role, in 11 innings he scored runs at a brilliant average of 53 and strike rate of 143. His performance in the IPL made him the best possible replacement for Hardik Pandya. Now Vijay Shankar is an integral part of India’s World Cup plans, and CSK management might lament a bit for missing out on him.