After the franchise failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time during Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, many expected CSK to have a busy outing during the IPL 2021 auction. However, their strategy at the IPL mini-auction has left many baffled.
Several pundits and fans expected CSK to revamp the squad in order to make a strong comeback in IPL 2021. The three-time champions, however, decided to stick with their core group of players and added some re-reinforcements for the upcoming 14th edition of the cash-rich league.
The MS Dhoni-led franchise went after specific players rather than bidding for as many players as possible. K Gowtham was their costliest buy (Rs 9.25 crores) while England all-rounder Moeen Ali was bought for Rs 7 crore.
While India’s Test expert Cheteshwar Pujara was another noticeable addition (Rs 50 lakh), CSK also bought three other uncapped players as backups. In the same light, former India opener Gautam Gambhir was all praise for CSK’s strategy at the auction.
The two-time IPL winning skipper was happy with CSK’s strategy as he said that it was the best auction the franchise has had till now. He also opined that this very strategy is the reason behind the franchise’s 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,” Gambhir told Star Sports.
“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 aside, this is how you build a legacy over a long period of time,” he said.
ALSO READ: New Zealand release new kit ahead of T20I against Australia
Gambhir also lauded CSK for not going all-in for Glenn Maxwell, who was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 14.25 crore. He added 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,” Gambhir stated.
“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,” he added.
“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.”