4 Players CSK might let go in IPL 2019

Chennai Super Kings made a phenomenal comeback in 2018 and went all the way to win their third IPL trophy. MS Dhoni and his men beat all odds to write arguably the best comeback story there could ever be.

Without a shadow of a doubt, CSK is the most dominant franchise in IPL history. Over the years, the Superkings have been known to retain their preferred set of players and not have a different squad every season. A big reason for their playoffs qualification in all the nine seasons they played which also includes a record seven finals, the retention has garnered huge support from the whistle podu army.

Even with a slightly older team, Dhoni and Co. managed to march on to victory, but it came at a cost. A plethora of players came under the radar for underwhelming performances, and some didn't even get a chance to showcase their talent due to an enormously strong lineup.

Due to the above-mentioned reasons, here are four players who might have to face the wrath of the management and face exit before the next edition of the Indian Premier League.

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#4 Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay

Matches: 1

Runs: 12

Strike Rate: 120

Murali Vijay was a key player for the Superkings from 2009-2013 and was a regular opener for the team. in 2017, he scored 453 runs for the Kings XI Punjab, and his superb performance had CSK pick him up in 2018.

Vijay was hardly involved in CSK's victories as he played only one match in the tournament scoring 12 runs in the process. Newly bought players like Ambati Rayadu and Shane Watson slowly cemented their place as the openers, and Vijay had to warm the bench for the majority of the season.

Known for his technique and poise at the crease, Vijay deserves a place in the playing XI. He will be looking forward to making an impact in the upcoming edition of the tournament, and making an exit from CSK might be the only way ahead for the "Monk."

#3 Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir

Matches: 6

Wickets: 6

Economy Rate: 9.09

How many bowlers can claim of being World Number 1 at the age of 37? Imran Tahir shocked everyone with his positivity and never-say-die attitude and became the best T-20 bowler in 2016. His inclusion in Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017 saw him picking 18 wickets in 12 matches, and CSK picked him up in 2018.

In IPL XI, Tahir played only 6 matches and picked as many wickets with an economy rate of over 9. His sloppy fielding has always been a concern for the team, and with an influx of young talent in the game, his position in the side could well be in danger the next year.

A young but experienced spinner like Shakib Al Hasan may fit better than the Protean. His all-rounder skills are what CSK exactly needs, and Tahir may have to find another home, come the 2019 edition of the tournament.

#2 Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur

Matches: 13

Wickets: 16

Economy Rate: 9.23

Shardul Thakur came to limelight in the 2017 edition of the IPL when he took 11 wickets in the 12 matches he played for the Rising Pune Supergiants. MS Dhoni continued his trust in the bowling spearhead, and CSK picked him up for INR 2.6 crores this year.

2018 was a mixed IPL for Thakur as he picked 16 wickets in 13 matches but had a hefty economy rate of 9.23. Moreover, a majority of his wickets came in the death overs, but he also leaked runs in huge numbers. Dhoni has been vocal about his performance throughout the tournament, and the officials might be looking to replace him with someone like Sandeep Sharma, who has been instrumental for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

#1 Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh

Matches: 13

Wickets: 7

Economy Rate: 8.48

There is no doubt about the talent of Harbhajan Singh. One of the greatest off-spinners of all time, "Bhajji" is a veteran of the Indian Premier League. CSK picked him up for INR 2 crores after his 10-year stint for Mumbai Indians.

Singh played 13 matches but could only manage to scalp 7 wickets at an economy rate of 8.48. At 38 years of age, he is not the quickest player on the field and doesn't come across as a great fielder when compared to the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Suresh Raina, or Dwayne Bravo.

The management might look to replace him with a young Washington Sundar or Mayank Markande. The two have age on their sides and are certainly better fielders than the "Turbanator."