Chennai Super Kings might have to make some big changes in the mega auction if they are to rebuild from the horrors of IPL 2020.
The IPL 2020 was a stuff of nightmares for Chennai Super Kings. From being infected with coronavirus, injuries to key players, lack of aggression and finishing intent, a captain who was undercooked and had no preparation whatsoever, everything that could go wrong for Chennai Super Kings did go wrong in IPL 2020. The end result - the team finished in seventh spot and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in their franchise history. Before IPL 2020, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians were the two best teams in the history of the IPL. Now, with Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians winning for the fifth time, Chennai Super Kings have to play catch-up in a big way.
With the BCCI suggesting that a mega-auction might take place in January-February, Chennai Super Kings will have to make some smart and sensible changes in order to bounce back from the horrors of 2020. From captaincy to the right batsmen for each role, these two months will be crucial for Chennai Super Kings if they have to re-establish their dominance. With Shane Watson retiring and the likes of Kedar Jadhav not performing, Chennai Super Kings will be determined to get some players to fill the void.
There are reports that Chennai Super Kings might hand over the captaincy to Faf du Plessis in place of MS Dhoni for IPL 2021. If that is the case, then perhaps it will be a step in the right direction.
Stress on young players
The IPL 2021 scenario might be a different cup of tea for many of the teams. The domestic schedule is not yet out. There are indications that the Syed Mushtaq Ali and the Ranji Trophy might be the only tournaments that might be played amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Looking out for local talent might be a big challenge for Chennai Super Kings and all the other teams involved.
But, if it is any indication, then Chennai Super Kings might be tempted to bring in more youth in their sides. They will have to shun the tag of Dad’s Army and inject some fresh new blood in their side. Ruturaj Gaikwad is a classic case of the youth showing the way for the three-time champions. His three consecutive fifties helped Chennai Super Kings end the tournament on the ultimate high. Chennai Super Kings need young power-hitters and if the Tamil Nadu Premier League takes place, that could be the ideal scouting ground.
Dhoni must play before IPL
IPL 2020 exposed that coming into a tournament after not playing any form of cricket for one year will have consequences. MS Dhoni looked terribly out of shape with the bat. He could not finish games. He could not show his attacking intent in most of the games. The blueprint of taking the game deep and then exploding towards the end needs total change in IPL 2021.
More importantly, MS Dhoni must play the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament whenever it is held. Dhoni MUST have match practice if he has to perform to the heights that he reached in IPL 2018 with the bat. In IPL 2020, he hit less than 10 sixes and the lower order was hurt big time. When MS Dhoni enters IPL 2021, he will need to play some games in Syed Mushtaq Ali in order to get back in shape.
Dhoni must relinquish the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings as well. If he needs to build the team for the future, he can appoint an interim in Faf du Plessiss but keep an Indian vice-captain in the back-up. A change of captaincy can have change of outlook and that might yield some success for Chennai Super Kings. Dhoni will be the mentoring figure but a change of captaincy, with a long-term Indian captain in prospect is necessarily not a bad change for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021.
The blueprint for IPL 2021 is clear for Chennai Super Kings. Invest in the youth, make Dhoni play some games before IPL and then make him the mentor rather than captain.
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