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Opinion
We start off the IPL 2022 Target team with one of the more successful teams – CSK.
With a proven team combination including an abundance of all-rounders and attacking openers, their potential targets are therefore predicted based on their past strategies.
1. Quinton de Kock
A younger and more durable substitute for Faf de Plessis, Quntion de Kock offers to be an ideal option for CSK as the overseas opener. A proven international level wicketkeeper can also be good backup to a Dhoni who is already in the twilight of his career and definitely the first choice keeping option once he does retire.
Besides, it will follow an interesting trend that is observed – former MI players do have a tendency to end up with CSK (observed from Dwayne Bravo to Ambati Rayudu to Harbhajan Singh).
Other international keepers, especially Jonny Bairstow who did this for the Sunrisers are primary alternatives for this spot.
Potential Alternatives who can fill similar roles: Jonny Bairstow, Devon Conway and Alex Carey.
QDK as wicketkeeper (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
2. Ruturaj Gaikawd
As the Orange Cap holder in the last season and with age on his side, his retention was somewhat of a granted. There is no doubt he will be the other opener in the next season.
Potential Alternatives:- N/A as he was retained
3. Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali can open the batting, Moeen Ali can finish the batting, he can bowl at any point and there is not much that Moeen Ali cannot do. Perhaps his retention was also somewhat unsurprising, as he was used masterfully by MS Dhoni and his presence as an all rounded was felt in the previous season.
Potential Alternatives:- N/A as he was retained
4. Rahul Tripathi
This role has traditionally been filled by an Indian domestic batsman, though given the abundance of left handers it likely they will go for a right handed one to fill in Ambati Rayudu’s spot.
While age might not be on Ambati Rayudu side, it is on Rahul Tripathi’s side who has finely conducted this role for the Knight Riders.
Along with Moeen Ali, he also has experience in opening and will provide a good alternative should Ruturaj Gaikawd be injured. That being said, Ambati Rayudu still remains a feasible option for this spot should they be able to get him back in the auction.
Potential Alternatives: Priyam Garg and Ambati Rayudu
5. Ravindra Jadeja
There is absolutely no question on CSK’s first retention choice. Not much needs to be said here but that his batting is likely to be used more in the upcoming seasons.
Potential Alternatives:- N/A as he was retained
6. Marcus Stoinis
Marcus Stoinis has gained both the reputation and experience as Australia’s latest finisher. He did the same job for the Delhi Capitals and with MS Dhoni’s finishing abilities fading, CSK will have their eye on him. Also quite handy with the bowl, it will not be surprising if CSK bid for Marcus Stoinis.
Other alternatives include a young Sam Curran who already knows CSK set up well and Ben Stokes though he is proven to be an expensive purchase in the past.
Potential Alternatives: Ben Stokes and Sam Curran
Marcus Stoinis (Photo by Scott Barbour – CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images)
7. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (c) (wk)
Not much needs to be said here. While he may not be as a potent batsman, he still is a masterful tactician and CSK still have faith in him despite his age .
8. Shardul Thakur
When the discussions of retentions were rife, a lot of speculation was on Shardul Thakur’s retention in CSK as he has always been that X Factor of a bowler.
Along with Deepak Chahar, CSK will have every motivation to get their services back along with a sizeable budget saved just for them.
Alternatives:- Harshal Patel and Chris Woakes
9. Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar like Shardul Thakur, truly progressed in the tutelage of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
While Shardul Thakur provided that X Factor, Deepak Chahar provided CSK with great opening in bowling with his swinging with the new ball. There is every reason to believe that CSK would not let their years of investment into Deepak Chahar go to waste and be able to spend a sizeable amount to retain his services in the auction.
Alternatives: Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Prasidh Krishna
10. R Bishnoi
There was a time when CSK was known for breeding young Indian spinners- whether it be Ravi Ashwin or now forgotten Shadab Jakati. With Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja already in the team, a young wristspinner like Ravi Bishnoi would not only be a long term option but has great potential to prosper in the future.
Alternatives:- Harpreet Brar, Mayank Markande and Ish Sodhi
11. Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood provided to CSK what Indian bowlers traditionally lack in general, express pace with control and experience. He performed excellently with the CSK in the last season and was instrumental in their victory.
Alternatives: Kagiso Rabada and Mark Wood
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