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

#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.