IPL 2019: 5 overseas players CSK might retain next season

Chennai Super Kings were unsuccessful in seizing their fourth IPL trophy, as they lost by just one run against Mumbai Indians. The end result would've been disappointing for the captain MS Dhoni and the team management, especially after last season's glorious comeback victory.

The team that defied all the odds throughout the season ironically fell one inch short. They dominated almost every other team except Mumbai Indians; MI literally proved to be that one unbeatable team for CSK.

The CSK team management has always believed in retaining the core players. However, after their loss against Mumbai Indians in the final, we might expect some big changes.

Their head coach Stephen Fleming said, "We do understand that we are an ageing team. So at some point, we just have to look at recreating the side, obviously, MS as well."

They may not recreate the side totally by the next season itself, but a few of the players might find the exit door. However, many of their players stand a good chance of being retained too, for at least one more season. Let us have a look at those players:

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#5 Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner played well against Mumbai Indians (Image Courtesy:BCCI/IPLT20.COM)

Mitchell Santner may not face the exit door, at least till the next season is done. As Ravindra Jadeja is a key left-arm spin option, some think that Santner isn't needed in the team. There would even be a few suggestions for a good middle order overseas batsman to be bought in his place.

However, CSK didn't utilize Santner to his fullest potential in the IPL 2019 season. He played just four matches but showed a lot of positive signs with the bat and the ball. The Kiwi all-rounder is just 27 years of age, and so there is no need to let him go in order to recreate the side.

Moreover, Fleming might find it relatively easy to work with Santner as he is a fellow Kiwi cricketer.

#4 Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi missed the entire season due to a side strain he sustained against Sri Lanka. Kiwi bowling all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijin replaced the pacer midway through the tournament, but he was included in the playing XI for just two matches.

It is evident that Kuggeleijin had only been considered as an experiment and a temporary option. There is a good chance for him to be shown the exit door next season in order to make room for Ngidi, who showed great promise in 2018.

Ngidi is young enough to play with the next generation CSK squad during the post-Dhoni era. If his consistency remains intact, then the team wouldn't be entertaining the idea of releasing him anywhere - even if he is a bit injury prone.

Ngidi would be groomed by the team as a potential death overs specialist, much like Dwayne Bravo. CSK might even explore the option of using him as a pinch-hitter in the death overs.

#3 Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis (Image Courtesy: BCCI/IPLT20.Com)

Faf du Plessis got 396 runs in 12 matches, putting in some decent efforts with the bat and in the field. However, Du Plessis wasn't able to meet the high standards set by the previous season's opening duo of Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu.

That might have made some fans worry that a potential release is on the way for Du Plessis, but those worries are unfounded.

The South African captain has been with CSK since 2011. When Kings XI bought Du Plessis in the 2018 auctions, CSK used the right to match card to retain him. Thus, it is evident that they don't want him to play for any other franchise.

Du Plessis is one of the players who could play for CSK until his IPL retirement. As a potential captain and an expert tactician, he could be a big asset for CSK in the moulding of a new team

We can expect Du Plessis to either continue in CSK as an opener or as a middle order batsman for the next season, depending on his form.

#2 Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir (Image Courtesy:BCCI/IPLT20.COM)

Many believe that Imran Tahir is too old to continue, but his performance doesn't indicate that he is looking at retirement. Tahir won the Purple Cap for the season, becoming the oldest player to do so.

With 26 wickets in 17 matches, Tahir gave all the youngsters a run for their money. The conditions at Chepauk stadium will probably be the same next year. So why would they choose to release Tahir, one of their most potent weapons on that pitch?

Moreover, CSK don't require an all-round performance from him. The team just wants Tahir to do maximum damage with the ball.

Talented spinners like Brad Hogg and Muttiah Muralitharan have played T20 cricket tournaments even in their 40s, so there's no reason why Tahir can't too.

There is a good chance for Tahir to play next season for Chennai Super Kings. It would be wise, however, for the franchise to get another young legspinner as a backup option. The youngster can learn a lot from seeing Tahir bowl, and would be prepared for the future.

#1 Shane Watson

Shane Watson (Image Courtesy:BCCI/IPLT20.COM)

It is natural to think that Shane Watson won't be playing the next season. He had been struggling to find form throughout the league matches.

Next year Watson will be 38 years old. He has already announced his Big Bash retirement, so an IPL retirement also seems likely.

However, Watson proved in the final that his story is far from over. The Australian opener won many hearts by playing despite injury and scoring a crucial 80 against Mumbai Indians. Without his contribution, CSK might have suffered a landslide loss.

Watson may not be able to bowl and field exceptionally well nowadays, but his batting is needed by the team in big match situations. Australian opener Mike Hussey played for CSK even when was 39 years old, so maybe Watson has a year or two more with the franchise.

If Watson has the desire to stick around he will definitely be accepted by the management. However, it wouldn't be surprising if they use him minimally or as a backup for another newly bought overseas batsman, depending on his form.