IPL Auction 2018: 5 alternatives for Ravichandran Ashwin CSK could target

MS Dhoni recently admitted that CSK would go all out to bag Ravichandran Ashwin in the player auction which is to be held over the coming weekend. However, having retained three Indian players already, CSK have lost the option of using their Right to Match card on Ashwin.

So, there is every chance of them losing out on their hometown star in the event of a bidding war owing to their limited auction budget of Rs. 47 Crore. However, there are a few worthy alternatives whom they can consider bidding for if they do end up missing out on Ashwin.

#5 Shakib Al Hasan (Base Price: Rs. 1 Crore)

The all-rounder is undoubtedly one of Bangladesh's greatest ever cricketers. His record for the Kolkata Knight Riders speaks volumes about his abilities. Shakib can use his left arm spin to great effect in the middle overs to control the flow of the game.

His lower-order contributions with the bat can also add vital runs to the total which can end up making a difference. Given Dhoni's penchant for all-rounders, Shakib fits the bill perfectly. The versatile cricketer can also open the attack with the new ball and bat up the order when the innings needs stability.

#4 Rashid Khan (Base Price: Rs. 2 Crore)

Rashid Khan has starred for the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL

Rashid Khan has taken the cricket world by storm ever since the T20 World Cup held two years ago. His accurate leg spinners and googlies have tied up batsmen the world over.

Rashid starred for the Sunrisers last year having picked up 17 wickets at a miserly economy of 6.63. His performances in the ongoing Big Bash have only helped increase his stock. Sunrisers would be looking to use their Right To Match on Rashid but in case they don't, Chennai should go all out for him.

Rashid and the slow Chepauk pitch would be a match made in heaven.

#3 Yuzvendra Chahal (Base Price: Rs. 2 Crore)

Chahal has been stellar for RCB

RCB pulled off a major coup when they bought Chahal for just Rs. 10 lakhs in the 2014 auctions. Ever since, he has gone from strength to strength, cementing his position in the Indian limited-overs set-up through consistent IPL performances.

Such has been Chahal's prowess with the ball that he has become the second highest wicket-taker in RCB's history, in just four seasons. A Kohli favourite, RCB would no doubt be looking to exercise their Right To Match option and retain his services. However, if they don't Chennai should try to snap him up in the auction as he and Jadeja would definitely bowl well in tandem.

#2. Kuldeep Yadav (Base Price: Rs. 1.5 Crore)

Kuldeep Yadav was not retained by KKR

Along with Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav has successfully managed to keep Ashwin and Jadeja out of the limited-overs frame. Known for his exceptional wicket-taking ability, Kuldeep will also provide Chennai with a long-term option for the seasons to come.

Like Chahal, Kuldeep will also most likely be retained by the Knight Riders. His recent exploits in the International circuit would not have gone unnoticed by his potential suitors though and he might just be the spinner that CSK are looking for in case KKR opt to let him go.

#1 Washington Sundar (Base Price: Rs. 1.5 Crore)

Washington Sundar is expected to fetch a sizeable bid in the auction

Who better than the city's next generation star to replace Ashwin? Washington Sundar's meteoric rise has been nothing short of inspirational. Sundar replaced Ashwin last season in the Pune squad and his match-winning spell in the qualifier still remains fresh in the mind of every cricket lover.

A formidable new ball option, Sundar's economical spells would create the necessary pressure and provide the opportunity to make in-roads into the opposition batting line up. Sundar is quite adept with the bat as well and can provide much-needed impetus lower down the order.

He is expected to attract a lot of suitors and CSK would definitely be one among them.