IPL 2019: 3 questions CSK need to answer before starting the rebuilding process

Chennai Super Kings lost to Mumbai Indians by just one run in the final of IPL 2019. Although they reached the summit clash and looked strong in defeat, the team wasn't quite at its best throughout the tournament. Most of CSK's key players, especially the batsmen, failed to perform well this season.

The team stood no chance against Mumbai, losing all four matches to the arch-rivals. After their big defeat in the final, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said, "We do understand that we are an aging team. So at some point, we just have to look at recreating the side."

It is obvious from the words of Fleming that there will be some changes in the squad for the next season. But judging by their previous auction strategies, they may not completely recreate the squad.

Some big names in the side might get released to make room for fresh faces, which would be the first phase of their major restructuring. But before taking such a big step towards the future, here are three things that the team needs to sort out.

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#1 Young talents or experienced veterans?

Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis (Image Courtesy: BCCI/IPLT20.COM)

This is one of the biggest dilemmas that CSK will face. Having experienced players in the squad yielded them favorable results in the past two seasons. However, the players have aged quickly and are nearing their retirement.

If the team follows the same formula and fills the squad with some seasoned veterans in the next auctions, then it would hurt the team at some point. The team would be in a situation where they have to make constant changes, which is something they avoided in the past.

On the other hand, going for youngsters would be a little riskier. CSK currently have some young players on the bench but they didn't receive substantial game time. Thus, there is a need for the side to sort out the balance between youngsters and veterans.

#2 Dhoni's role in the transition phase

MS Dhoni's inputs would be crucial for recreating the side (Image Courtesy:BCCI/IPLT20.COM)

MS Dhoni has been the main reason for the success enjoyed by CSK over the years. He is a World Cup winning captain, and it is evident that his leadership and talent have greatly helped the team in reaching the playoffs every single season they have competed.

However, the captain is a bit aged and might have just one or two seasons left in him. Thus, the management would be scouting for a new captain sooner or later.

Vice-captain Suresh Raina is a viable option, but it would definitely be challenging for him to fill the big shoes of MSD.

In the next few years, Dhoni's inputs would be crucial to ensure a smooth transition into the future. The management has to sort out whether they want to keep him as a captain till retirement or as a senior player mentoring a new captain for the future.

#3 How should the loose ends be cut?

Ambati Rayudu and Shardul Thakur were in dismal form throughout the season (Image Courtesy: BCCI/IPLT20.COM)

The fresh auction ahead of the next season provides an opportunity for the management to make the necessary alterations to the squad. The disappointing clean sweep suffered against Mumbai Indians and Fleming's intentions to recreate the side mean that there are some big changes on the way.

CSK need to sort out their auction strategy very carefully. The list of recruits would be easier for them to prepare than the list of releases. Big names like Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina and Kedar Jadhav ended with disappointing performances.

The plug would be very difficult to pull in the case of these match-winners. Also, they have some young underutilized players on the bench; releasing them without fully realizing their potential wouldn't be advisable.

Thus, the management would need to sort out the list of releases from both the big-name players and those with untapped potential. Someone would be needed to be shown the exit door to make room for recreating the side.