3 Players who might be dropped by Chennai Super Kings next season

The Chennai Super Kings have once again proved why they are the most consistent IPL side, by qualifying for the 2018 IPL playoffs. This is the Men in Yellow's ninth playoff appearance in as many seasons (suspended for two seasons - 2016 and 2017).

Almost all the players have contributed to their success this season - from MS Dhoni to the latest sensation, Deepak Chahar. There have been surprise performers as well, with Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson coming back to their belligerent best after quite a long time.

The duo have contributed substantially with the bat for Chennai, with both scoring scintillating centuries. But a few players have not lived up to the expectations of the fans and the franchise this season. A lot was expected from these players when they came into the squad, but they have failed to deliver.

Let us now look at those players who might be overlooked by the Chennai Super Kings next season due to poor performance, form and age.

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#3 Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir

The Proteas leg-spinner took the 2017 season by storm after coming in as a replacement for the injured Aussie all-rounder Mitchell Marsh in the Rising Pune Supergiant squad, picking up 18 wickets in just 12 matches at an economy of 7.85.

Tahir’s role was instrumental in guiding the Pune franchise to the finals of the last edition, where they lost to the Mumbai Indians by just one run. Tahir was bought by the Chennai Super Kings for just Rs. 1 crore in the auctions earlier this year.

Considering his last season's performance, many found it to be a bargain buy before the start of this season. But Tahir failed to replicate the same form, managing just six wickets in as many games for CSK.

He could also not cement his place in the eleven as he went for many runs in some games, thereby his economy rate too suffered a bit. In a squad comprising of too many spinners, one has to be at his best to cement a place in the eleven, which Tahir has failed to do this season.

Overall, Tahir has taken 53 wickets in just 38 matches at an economy of 8.43, with his best figures being 4/28. Tahir, who will turn 40 next year, is likely to be overlooked by the Men in Yellow for the 2019 IPL.

#2 Mark Wood

Mark Wood

The right arm English pacer who represents Durham in the domestic circuit, was bought by the Chennai Super Kings at this year's auctions for Rs. 1.5 crore. Wood is a quality pacer who can bowl consistently above 140 kph. He has represented the Three Lions in 11 Tests, 26 ODIs and 4 T20Is so far.

Wood made his IPL debut in the season opener against defending champions, Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. But it turned out to be a disaster for the Englishman, as he failed to pick up any wickets and gave away 49 runs in his four overs.

But the Super Kings chased down the target set by Mumbai and won the season's much-awaited opening fixture, thanks to Dwayne Bravo's heroics. Unfortunately, that turned out to be Wood's only IPL game of this season for MS Dhoni's men as he was overlooked for the next nine games as his bowling looked unsuitable for the Indian conditions.

Wood left the IPL midway after he was selected in England's squad for the home Test series against Pakistan. Due to his forgettable first IPL stint, he is likely to be overlooked for the next season and the Chennai Super Kings might go for an experienced and proven overseas pacer to partner Lungi Ngidi.

#1 Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay

The Tamil Nadu batsman is a regular fixture in the Indian Test cricket team and has proved time and again why he is an important player with his valuable contributions at the top order with the bat.

Vijay is an experienced IPL campaigner having played nine IPL seasons so far. The stylish opener was instrumental in Chennai Super Kings title-winning 2010 and 2011 squads.

The Murali Vijay-Michael Hussey opening combo proved to be immensely successful for the Men in Yellow in the past.

Vijay represented the Delhi Daredevils (2014) and Kings XI Punjab (2015-2017) after he left Chennai in 2013.

He was bought by the Chennai Super Kings at his base price of Rs. 2 crore at this year's auctions, and fans expected a happy homecoming for Vijay, but it turned out to be a disaster for him.

He played just one game for Chennai in which he scored just 12 runs and was left out of the team for the other games. Ambati Rayudu's phenomenal performances has certainly dented his hopes of making the eleven this season.

In 101 IPL matches, Vijay has amassed 2523 runs at a strike-rate of 123.37, which includes 13 half-centuries and two centuries. With Vijay not at his usual best and already struggling for a spot in the eleven, he is likely to be overlooked by the Chennai Super Kings for the 2019 IPL season.