IPL retentions 2018: Analyzing CSK's retentions

The most popular franchise in the Indian Premier League is back. Though slightly tainted by the match-fixing allegations, CSK still enjoys the largest fan base in India. The uproar in social media after the comeback announcement testifies to the fact. The biggest question then was regarding their retentions. Now that the air has cleared, let us analyze the same from a strategic viewpoint. From a bird's eye view, CSK has got the basics covered- one solid batsman, one bowler (or all-rounder), and a wicketkeeping allrounder.

Retention #1: "Thala" Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Was there ever a doubt regarding this? One of the team managers even said that they would empty their entire wallet to secure his services. Glorification apart, Dhoni is hands down, the best wicketkeeper in the world. Yes, age has slowed him, and he takes time to settle down. But if he gets it, he can metamorphose into The Hulk in the slog overs, hitting humongous sixes at will, atomizing the opposition's morale. A small addition- he has won all that he can in the international scene. His analysis of the situation, his street-smart skills, and his ice-cool brain- well, franchises would even shell out 15 cr for him. But Dhoni is "namma thalaivar", isn't he?

Dhoni should bat at no.4, where he can take his time to settle down and hulk-smash in the end overs. His presence in the crease would be instrumental in upping the confidence of the other batsman. However, I think the captaincy should be handed over to Suresh Raina. He has exhibited admirable leadership qualities at the helm of Gujarat Lions and would also have the assistance of his mentor, Dhoni.

Retention #2: Suresh Raina:

The most prolific run scorer in IPL history

Raina's technical flaw against the rising ball is well-known in cricketing circles. However, it is only a minor concern in limited overs cricket due to the one-bouncer rule, He has proved that time and again with his truckloads of runs in the format. Being the most illustrious batsman in IPL history, Raina would normally walk into any T20 team. But his recent form in domestic circuit looks bleak as he has hit a prolonged rough patch. A string of low scores may be indicative of his waning hand-eye coordination. The management could have gone for Brendon McCullum or Faf du Plessis. But the decision can never be termed as disastrous, as Raina's batting was always tailored for limited overs cricket. He may not be the quintessential T20 boss but aided with the fielding rules he can precisely find gaps and clear the ropes. He is also the most expressive and cheerful man on the field. His energy has not dropped one bit from the 18-year-old who burst into the international scenario more than a decade ago. Also an electric fielder, the fans will be hoping that Raina reclaims his magical touch once he is back into his second home.

As already mentioned, Raina can be made the captain which frees Dhoni of the extra pressure. In batting, he will automatically be slotted into his favorite spot- the one-down.

Retention #3: Sir Ravindra Jadeja:

Sir has chipped in with impactful cameos on numerous occasions

Jadeja became Sir Jadeja during his stint with CSK, so the fans would have been hoping for his comeback. Though he is somewhat comical on the field (and of it!), he has often delivered the goods for Dhoni when it mattered. But he has been off-color in limited overs cricket lately which has resulted in him being usurped by the spin twins, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. The alternative was Ravichandran Ashwin, the local boy who would have been more popular with the fans. Jadeja's superior batting skill and slightly more attacking bowling lines may have helped him pip Ashwin, but the retention is still unconvincing. Though Jadeja could be handy towards the end of innings, he has not performed consistently as a pinch hitter. Even with the ball, he is not attacking enough and is used by Dhoni as more of a containing option. Shedding a handy amount may not have been wise, as it could have been used for multiple utility players in the general auction.

Now that three capped Indian players are retained, the RTM card can't be used on Ashwin. That may not be an issue, given his lackluster form lately in ODIs. Jadeja will most probably occupy the all-rounder's slot at no. 7. As he usually finishes his quota of overs, Jadeja can be the key all-rounder in the side. But for now, only time can tell whether he was worth the splurge.

Right to Match (RTM) cards:

CSK has the option to use two RTM cards, both on foreign players. They have three key frontrunners for the cards.

Dwayne Bravo had a time to remember with CSK

Faf du Plessis has been amongst the runs lately and has matured into a technically sound batsman who can handle pressure well. He forms a key part of the South African setup and can easily shift gears according to the situation, making him an excellent floater.

There is no need for an introduction for Brendon McCullum who is one of the pioneers in this format. He struck the first century of IPL to set the benchmark to assess the greatness of an innings. He is still in his prime, regularly churning out blazing starts for Gujarat Lions, and now for Melbourne Stars in BBL.

The third entrant is the rockstar Dwayne Bravo. Bravo has secured two purple caps in IPL which testifies his bowling skills. He has got an excellent slow ball that can flummox the best of batsmen. He is no mug with the bat either, as he can muscle his way around, especially in the dying stages of the game.

Verdict:

Dwayne Bravo will be an automatic choice, given his all-round utility which has become handy time and again. The second slot should be taken by Faf du Plessis, because of his flexibility in batting, and ability to adapt to the situation, as McCullum is more comfortable as an opener. McCullum doesn't keep wickets these days, which also works against him. Furthermore, Faf is only 33, a good three years younger to McCullum, and would be a better investment in long-term.

Team strategy:

The team will certainly miss the service of the wily Nehra-ji

As far as batting is concerned, CSK has little to worry as they have assembled a set core of technically sound batsmen. They can build the squad around these key players. Behind the stumps, they have got the best man in the business. Their problem will be about bowling, as they have not secured the services of a reliable seamer. They have got to procure two solid opening bowlers and a third seamer as a backup. From the variety available, they can opt for one foreign seamer and one Indian one. In the spin department also, the situation is not promising. Jadeja can act as the leader but CSK desperately needs the service of an attacking spinner- someone like Kuldeep Yadav or Karn Sharma.

Concluding the analysis, CSK has done a great job so far, as they did not have a good seamer to retain in the first place. They have retained the core of their feared batting lineup and therefore can hope for a stylish resurgence in the upcoming competition if they manage to rack up some equally good bowling options in the auction.