IPL 2021: 5 CSK stars who might be playing their last season this year

Although they have a well-rounded squad on paper, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) aren't one of the favourites for the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The biggest reason behind this is that most of CSK's first-choice players are on the wrong side of 35, let alone 30. And a number of them haven't been active in international or domestic cricket of late, leading fans to believe that the rust on display last year wouldn't have gone away.

The IPL is becoming more competitive every year, and we could see many CSK players bid adieu to the sport or go unsold before the next season. Here are 5 CSK stars who might be playing their last IPL this year.

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#5 Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir

If there's one CSK player who has defied age, it's Imran Tahir. The leg-spinner is now 42 years old, but he's still full of energy and passion. But he played only three games last year, and picked up only one wicket over the course of those games.

Tahir's time at the highest level of franchise cricket is coming to an end. CSK play a majority of their league matches in Bangalore and Mumbai, and neither IPL venue is going to support bowlers - especially spinners.

If the South African spends another season on the bench, CSK will have little reason to buy him back in the mega-auction. And Tahir will be closer to 45 than 40 then, and not many teams will be interested in him. We may see him go on his final celebratory run in the IPL this year.

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#4 Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo is 37 years old, and age is starting to catch up to the all-rounder. His bowling has steadily dropped a few clicks each year; it's becoming difficult to station him at important fielding positions; his batting is almost non-existent now.

Although Bravo has the faith of CSK captain MS Dhoni, it would be a big surprise if he is part of the side next year. The West Indian's economy rates over the last two IPL seasons (8.57 and 8.01) have been respectable, but his wicket-taking threat has dwindled rapidly. And he's been concerningly injury-prone.

Bravo is another player who doesn't have a lot of cricket left in him at the top level, and we may see his legendary IPL career have its final chapter in 2021.

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#3 Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara

CSK gave Cheteshwar Pujara the chance to prove himself in the T20 format by raising their paddle for him in the 2021 IPL auction, even eliciting a warm round of applause from the other franchises.

While the gesture was admirable, it may be nothing more than a faint glimmer of hope for Pujara. The Indian Test No. 3 seems to be trying his best to adjust to the new format, with a modified stance and uncharacteristic slog-sweeps making waves on social media. But he is highly unlikely to get a game for CSK in IPL 2021, especially if the team seriously contends for a playoff spot.

Pujara will head back into the auction pool ahead of IPL 2022, and a team might not be generous enough to offer him another chance.

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#2 Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis is one of CSK's most decorated and loved players, but he too is on the wrong side of 35. The former Proteas captain retired from Test cricket earlier this year, and it's only a matter of time before he gives up the other formats as well.

Du Plessis is still fit and proved that his batting hasn't dropped much with his exploits last year. But does he have what it takes mentally to continue playing at the highest level after a number of disappointing losses for CSK and South Africa?

It's too early to tell. But what can be said without any doubt is that at 36, Du Plessis' days as an IPL cricketer are numbered. And this may be the last time we see him in action in the league.

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#1 MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni's future has come under immense scrutiny over the last few years. He has been largely non-committal apart from a few curt statements in interviews, but it's clear that retirement is not too far away.

IPL 2020 was painful for both Dhoni and CSK, so it was next to impossible for the former Indian captain to leave on that note. But if the Men in Yellow somehow pull off the impossible and win their fourth IPL title, it would serve as the perfect farewell to Dhoni.

Moreover, with the mega-auction scheduled to happen ahead of the next IPL, how CSK retain Dhoni remains to be seen. He is synonymous with the franchise, and must finish his career with CSK. But shelling out a massive retention amount for Dhoni will deplete their finances as they attempt to reconstruct their team, while sending him back into the auction pool might be beneath a player of his stature.

Either way, Dhoni doesn't have a lot left to prove. And if he hangs up his boots after this season, there won't be many questions asked.