IPL 2021: 3 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) players who might be benched for most of the season

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are arguably the most consistent team in the history of the IPL. Captained by the most successful captain in the history of Indian cricket, the CSK franchise is well known to keep its core group intact. Over the years, we have seen the trio of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Ravindra Jadeja saving CSK from desperate situations. This year too, the trio will be seen together on the field. 

Last year, CSK had its worst season. After a lot of hustle, the franchise managed to settle on the seventh position. For a team that had managed to reach the playoffs every time, this is a major failure. But, it was necessary as they had to look into the future. This time, the middle order looks stronger than ever. 

With the inclusion of Moeen Ali, the middle order is pretty solid. Adding on, multiple talented players might have to wait for their opportunity. Last year, the franchise found their opener in the form of Ruturaj Gaikwad, who replaced a veteran like Shane Watson .

Here are three CSK players who might not get proper chances in this year’s IPL:

1. Narayan Jagadeesan

Narayan Jagadeesan is a highly talented wicketkeeper-batsman from Tamil Nadu. He made it to the headlines of various local newspapers after his impressive performance during the first season of the TNPL. Without any delay, the CSK management picked him up during the 2018 auction. Apart from his batting, he is the successor to MS Dhoni in the CSK squad. 

Another obvious thing about Narayan Jagadeesan’s present condition is that he will not get many chances till Dhoni is there. Even if he gets an opportunity, it will be because of his batting skills. And last year, he was unfortunate as he was a part of the lineup that was decimated by Trent Boult. This year, he might get a few chances if the proper lineup fails. 

Talking about his IPL career, he has played five games so far. In those five matches, he has just scored 33 runs in two innings. With a modest strike rate of 113.79, he has to make way for Ruturaj as the premier top-order batsman. But post-Dhoni era, it is Narayan Jagadeesan who will guard the wickets. Maybe, for the time being, he has to stay in the shadows of Dhoni. 

2. Karn Sharma

Karn Sharma is one of the most popular names in the domestic circuit. Unfortunately, he belongs to that group of players who failed to make a mark in the international arena. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, he was bought by SRH during the 2014 auction. Later on, he shifted to the MI franchise. 

During his stint with SRH, he picked up 11 wickets in 13 games at an economy rate of 6.60. In 2018, he joined the CSK franchise and was a part of a successful campaign in 2018. Although he played only six games in 2018, he was kept in the squad as a backup spinner. In 2019, he was not used properly as he played only a single game. 

Last year too, he was not a regular member of the CSK squad. Karn played only in five games and had an economy rate of 8.68. It is no doubt that he is a talented player and he has been warming the benches for three years. But after the inclusion of world-class all-rounder Moeen Ali, Karn’s chances to make it to the playing eleven looks slim.

3. Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner has been able to fill the role of Daniel Vettori to perfection. The left-arm all-rounder has been a consistent member of the New Zealand squad since his debut. And he can score quickly when required. This is the main reason he has been with the CSK squad even after playing only six IPL games.

Santner can build up pressure from one end. And this allows the bowler from the other end to pick up wickets when the batsman plays a release shot. In 52 T20Is, he has scored at a strike rate of 126.89. Apart from that, he bowls at an economy rate of 7.38.

The fine all-rounder has done a commendable job till now for CSK. Of the six matches he has played, he has picked up six wickets at an economy rate of 7.0. Also, he had a memorable match against Rajasthan when he lofted Ben Stokes for a six to win the game for CSK. But with Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja in the squad, it is less likely that he will make it to the playing eleven.