IPL 2019: 3 former MI players who have performed exceptionally well for CSK

One of the biggest challenges for the franchises of the Indian Premier League is the retention policy and the auction process. Once in every three years, all players are brought back to the auction pool with only a few allowed to be retained by the franchises.

Although this is helpful for teams that have a slightly weaker squad, it causes major problems to the successful ones. Teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have gone through a lot to build successful sides, but are given only a few spots to retain.

That said, Chennai, who have a very strong backroom staff, have always performed well in the auction. The core of the CSK team has remained the same over the years, which is reflected even in IPL 2019 as they are leading the points table.

The addition of a few Mumbai Indians players has strengthened the squad even more.

Here, we look at three former MI players who have performed exceedingly well for CSK.

#3 Ambati Rayudu

Rayudu was the leading run-scorer for CSK in 2018

Ambati Rayudu was one of the most consistent performers for Mumbai Indians during his stay. He was used as a floater in the side and played the role of a finisher for the major part of his stint.

Surprisingly, Mumbai didn't go for the 33-year-old batsman in the 2018 auctions, and CSK bought him for just 2.2 Cr.

Experts were of the opinion that Rayudu would be used as a back-up option for the season. But captain MS Dhoni had huge regard for Rayudu the batsman and so allocated him the opening slot.

The Hyderabadi batsman responded very well by giving some excellent starts to the Super Kings. He also scored his first ever T20 hundred in the 2018 season for the team.

The versatility of Rayudu was evident when he adapted to the No: 4 slot in the later stages of the tournament. He went on to amass 602 runs which helped Chennai stage a strong comeback after a two-year ban; they ended up winning their third IPL crown in that season.

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#2 Dwayne Smith

Smith scored five 50s in the 2014 season for CSK

West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Smith was drafted into the Mumbai Indians squad in 2012 after Mitchell Johnson was ruled out. In IPL 6 he forged a successful opening combination with Sachin Tendulkar to help the team win their maiden IPL and Champions League titles.

The 2014 auctions saw CSK making their second highest bid for the right-hand batsman. That resulted in the formation of one of the most destructive opening duos ever - Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum.

The two dominated most bowling attacks and gave several blazing starts to CSK. Smith was a step ahead of his partner, as he utilized the field restrictions to full effect.

In his debut season for Chennai, Smith was the leading run-scorer for the team scoring 566 runs at a strike-rate of 136. He continued his good form in the 2015 edition as well; in fact, in his two-year stint, no one scored more runs for CSK than him.

Chennai made the right choice of buying Smith after the fading away of Michael Hussey.

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#1 Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo has become a fan favorite among CSK fans

After going unsold in the 2008 auctions, Mumbai Indians signed Dwayne Bravo as a replacement player for Lasith Malinga. Bravo did well to finish as the second highest wicket-taker for the franchise.

Despite boasting a proven T20 record, it was surprising to see no one except Chennai showing interest in him in 2011 auctions. And that turned out to be a boon for Dhoni's team.

The Trinidadian did exceedingly well with the bat in 2012, scoring 371 runs at a strike-rate of over 140. He soon became Dhoni's go-to bowler to pick up wickets and control the flow of runs in the death.

Bravo's 32 wickets in the 2013 edition won him the Purple Cap for the season.

A shoulder injury forced him out of action in the 2014 season. But the all-rounder showed his worth again in 2015 as he became the first ever player to win the Purple Cap twice.

Bravo's ability with both bat and ball has given much-needed stability and depth to the CSK side. Perhaps just as importantly, the Caribbean star shares a great rapport with the fans.