5 all-time bargain buys by Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings, over the years, have created a template for franchise-based T20 leagues. They have been the most consistent team in the history of Indian Premier League having qualified for the knockouts every season. Maintaining the coaching staff and the core have not only made them a formidable set-up but also helped them create a huge fan base.

Although teams like Perth Scorchers in Big Bash League and Tribango Knight Riders in the Carribean Premier League have tasted similar success, CSK stands out because of the auction that involves in selecting their squad. BBL adopts personal negotiation with players to acquire them, CPL conducts a player draft with a salary cap.

Super Kings have always tried to keep their squad intact and have found able replacements at a reasonable price. Acquiring Harbhajan at 2 cr instead of Ashwin who went for 7.4 cr was one such case. Let's look at the top five bargain buys of CSK.

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#1 Dwayne Bravo - US$ 200,000

Bravo is successful with both bat and ball

One of the most sought-after players in the T20 arena is Windies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo. Chennai bought the all-rounder at his base price of US$ 200,000 in 2011. It proved to be a golden pick, as Bravo became an integral of MS Dhoni-led team.

He had a fairly good run for Mumbai Indians from 2008-2010 and was making impactful performances in the international arena with his performance in World T20 in 2009 knocking India out. But to the surprise of everyone, Chennai was the only team that bid for him in 2011.

He has taken most wickets for CSK in three seasons and took the responsibility of death bowling. His willow has produced many matchwinning knocks. Moreover, his association has brought that Carribean flair and has made himself a household name among the Super Kings. His purchase can be stated as the best bargain buy of all-time.

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#2 Ambati Rayudu - INR 2.2 cr

Rayudu scored over 600 runs for CSK

Ambati Rayudu was one of the consistent performers for Mumbai Indians and it was evident when they retained him before two big auctions in 2011 and 2014. Despite his proven record, he was not in the radar of many teams, as bidding war galloped for youngsters like KL Rahul and Manish Pandey in 2018.

Chennai brought him for just 2.2 cr and he repaid the faith by scoring more than 600 runs in the season. Many experts didn't have Rayudu in their starting XI before the season as M Vijay was preferred ahead of him. But, Captain Dhoni was very particular in including him in the playing eleven and thus asked him to open the innings.

The versatility of Rayudu was seen when he could create the same impact in the matches when he asked to play in the middle order. He ended up being CSK's highest run-scorer in 2018 and thus proved to be Kings' best buy.

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#3 Faf du Plessis - INR 1.6 cr

Faf is an integral part of CSK core

Faf du Plessis has been part of the Super Kings setup from 2011. His breakthrough performance came in 2012 when he was asked to open the innings in the first half of the season. Post that he has become a reliable batsman both in the domestic and international arena in the T20 format.

During 2018 auctions, Faf was expected to raise some bidding war as he was a prominent captaincy option which was lacked by many teams. But, CSK used the Right to Match card to buy him at a mere price of INR 1.6cr.

Although he was not part of the initial XI, he was included in the later stages rightfully for his experience and he took his team to victory after being slumped to 62-6 in 13 overs in a chase of 140 in the first qualifier.

Chennai would be happier for this bargain buy as he will be adding more strength this season if IPL is shifted to South Africa.

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#4 Micheal Hussey - US$ 425,000

Hussey won the orange cap in 2013

Micheal Hussey gave the best possible start for Chennai by scoring a century in their first ever IPL match. Because of his international commitments, he couldn't play a major role in the first three seasons. As runs dried up from the bat of retired Mathew Hayden, Dhoni asked Hussey to open in the knockout stages of their victorious Champions League T20 campaign in 2010.

With that performance, the team management decided to go all-out for him at the auction but luckily they got him at US$ 425,000. He had a fabulous three-year stint at the top scoring the most runs for Chennai in that period and guiding them to the finals of all the three seasons.

Kings were gifted to have a batsman of Hussey's calibre at the top because of his adaptability. In 2013, he scored 40 off 51 balls on a tough pitch against Kolkata and a week later scored 95 off 59 balls against the same opposition guiding Chennai to victory on both occasions.

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#5 Ashish Nehra - INR 2 cr

Nehra had a successful stint with CSK

Despite boasting a superior record, Ashish Nehra was never seen as a potential leader of the pack. He was a wicket-taking bowler for all the teams he has played over the years. After having played four consecutive finals from 2010-2013, CSK players were in high demand during 2014 auctions.

Stephen Fleming-led management decided to bid for the experienced Nehra and bought him at his base price of INR 2 Cr. His experience was pivotal to MS Dhoni's team as they had young fast bowlers like Mohit Sharma, Ishwar Pandey, Vijay Shankar in their squad.

This buy led to the resurgence of Nehra as he came back into the Indian team after five years and helped whitewash Australia in a T20 series. Nehra's value increased in the next auction as he went for 5.5 Cr despite having fitness issues. Like what he did to the pacers of CSK, Nehra has turned into a coach for Kohli's RCB.

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