IPL: 5 youngsters CSK should target in the mega auction

The IPL has been highly competitive right from its start. With world-class players both from India and overseas, all the teams in the league are too strong. To dominate in such a competitive league consistently over the years requires a lot of planning and performance.

Chennai Super Kings is one of those teams that have managed to do so very well. They are the second most successful side in the history of the league after Mumbai Indians, winning the title three times. Their captain for all these years has been only one man, MS Dhoni which in itself tells a big story.

However, the 13th edition of the IPL was a bit different for them. For the first time in their history, they did not reach the playoffs and were knocked out of the race before anyone else. They tasted failure for the first time and will thus need to rethink their game plan. With many of their players already at the last stage of their careers, CSK will definitely look to refurnish their squad with some young blood.

5 youngsters CSK should aim to get in the mega auction in IPL 2022

1. Devdutt Padikkal

The opener from Karnataka Devdutt Padikkal is one of the biggest names as far as young Indian players are concerned. Over the last couple of years, Padikkal has been batting amazingly in domestic cricket – be it Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy or the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, Padikkal has been in the list of top run-scorers everywhere.

Following his consistent performances for Karnataka in domestic cricket, he was picked by his home franchise RCB in 2019. However, owing to the team’s balance and lack of wicketkeeping options, Padikkal was forced to sit out the entire season. But, the very next year RCB resolved their team balance and Padikkal got a chance to open the innings. He scored a fifty on his IPL debut and carried his form throughout the tournament scoring 473 runs in 16 matches and was among the top five run-getters of the season.

For a team to succeed in T20 cricket, a strong opening combination is a must. Thus, going forward, CSK should aim for a settled opening combo, so having someone like Padikkal will definitely help. He can be paired with a right-hander and will thus boost their batting line-up.