IPL retentions 2018: Analyzing CSK's retentions

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.