IPL 2019: 3 Released Indian players that CSK could sign in the auction

The Chennai Super Kings won the IPL in their comeback season with stellar performances from their team which was deemed to be too old at the start. The MS Dhoni-led side justified their selection choices as their experience combined with a peppering of youth proved to be extremely effective.

The three-time champions have released just three players ahead of the auction, deciding to retain the core of their winning combination while giving the younger players more opportunities to play.

Released players: Mark Wood, Kshitiz Sharma, Kanish Seth

Chennai Super Kings' squad looks well-balanced and they have only two player slots left - and both of them are Indian players.

Available slots: 2 Indian, 0 Overseas.

Let's take a look at three possible options that CSK could look to for these positions:

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#3 Murugan Ashwin (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Murugan Ashwin was bought by the Royal Challengers Bangalore last season. He was given only two matches to play though, and he picked up three wickets in those.

In a squad which consisted of bowlers like Yuzvendra Chahal and the teenage sensation Washington Sundar as well as the experienced Moeen Ali, Ashwin often got the short end of the straw when it came to getting chances to play.

CSK lacked a reliably consistent spinner last season despite having players like Jadeja, Imran Tahir and Harbhajan Singh. With Harbhajan and Tahir growing older, a Tamil Nadu player like Murugan Ashwin can hugely benefit the Super Kings. He can be the differential option for Dhoni in the 2019 season.

#2 Manan Vohra (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Manan Vohra in action

Manan Vohra was released by the Royal Challengers Bangalore after he was under-utilized by them last season. A very attack-minded opener, Vohra was signed by RCB last season but ended up warming the bench and playing under the shadow of players like Quinton De Kock and Brendon McCullum.

Vohra could be a valuable asset for CSK. He can be used as a backup opener or can even be made to open the batting by pushing Ambati Rayudu to No. 4, where Rayudu had no problems playing last season.

Under the leadership of someone like Dhoni, Vohra could blossom into the next big thing for CSK, the way Rayudu made a mark for himself last season.

#1 Jaydev Unadkat (Rajasthan Royals)

Jaydev Unadkat

Jaydev Unadkat was released by the Rajasthan Royals after he failed to impress in the 2018 IPL season despite being bought for a whopping amount of INR 11.5 crore. His performance for the Rising Pune Supergiants the season before that was excellent though, and he could always replicate that form in the future.

Unadkat could be great option for CSK. Dwayne Bravo's death bowling wasn't up to the mark last season and Shardul Tahkur, despite taking a few wickets, was very expensive. Lungi Ngidi and Deepak Chahar will find a great partner in Unadkat, who can showcase his experience as a death bowler.

Unadkat took 11 wickets in 15 matches for the Royals at an economy of 9.65, which he will look to correct if he gets a chance to play.