The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 auction saw teams gather momentum in the best way possible. Several teams went on to add depth in order to bolster the squad and go into the IPL 2019 edition clear headed.
Many teams will be happy with the business they did in the auction. But out of the lot, Chennai Super Kings go into IPL 2019 as the most sorted unit.
351 players had gone under the hammer in Jaipur last week. And out of 70 slots that were available across 8 teams, a total of 60 went on to get filled. CSK, who had retained majority of their players, was destined to have a quiet window.
The could have bought only two players (Indian) and they did that with ease. The management in their yellow suits looked at ease during the auction. The headline purchase in former player Mohit Sharma (Rs 5 crore) set the tone for the already strong unit.
IPL 2019 Auction saw CSK, SRH go smooth
If one followed the auction closely, Kings XI Punjab got in the most players after having the biggest salary cap available. And in contrast, two sides had a rather quiet window.
Besides CSK, IPL 2018 finalists Sunrisers Hyderabad went in similar lines. They roped in just three names and bolstered their batting which was the main ask. Their mega name they bought was Englishman Jonny Bairstow.
https://kyrosports.com/ipl-2019-best-worst-buys/
The two sides had a sound core to begin with. They utilised the IPL trade window well and stuck to the basics. So the moment they got to the auction, everyone knew that things would be calm and composed for the duo. And that’s what happened. And most importantly, both camps looked satisfied before and after the auction. This was the biggest highlight.
Out of all the teams going into IPL 2019, CSK are the side that will be the happiest. They are the most sorted team out there in the middle. They are a slightly above SRH.
Depth monumental for CSK
Going by the depth and all-round shape of the side, CSK are miles ahead. They are the defending champions and look sound across each and every department. It just looks so pleasing to see the names in their squad list. You have a glance and the next moment there is quality written all around.
The versatility of this side made them winners last term. And this time too, expect the team led by MS Dhoni to come out all guns blazing and start on a strong note from the onset.
https://kyrosports.com/ipl-2019-franchises-won-lost-trade-window/
The squad is strong and has the right mix of flavour of experience and youth. CSK showed last season that experience is key and they have kept that as the main look of the team. From opening combinations, a sound middle order and a great bowling department, CSK could give teams a run for their money in the upcoming IPL 2019.
What bodes well for them is that their team composes names that do not need to be reminded or told about their responsibilities. That’s what big international players who have achieved so much help the whole unit to breathe and flow.
Simplicity the positive factor for CSK
CSK did away with just three players in the IPL trade window last month. The trust shown in the squad needs to be lauded. They did not had to do anything fancy. Therefore, simplicity and being basic helped them immensely.
Also this IPL could be the last for several veteran stars such as Shane Watson and Harbhajan Singh. Therefore, expect these two to give their all and walk out feeling satisfied. CSK have won the title thrice and under MS Dhoni, the yellow brigade know how to get about the business.
https://kyrosports.com/ipl-2019-strengths-weaknesses-and-strategies-of-teams/
They do not have to look for fresh set of combinations or tinker with the team on a frequent basis. CSK are settled and the options they bear can ensure the pivotal moments time and time again.
Dhoni will once again look to be as flexible as possible. Expect the side to go out and enjoy the brand of cricket they offer. A calm customer like MS gets the best out of his troops.
Range of players very exciting
The MS Dhoni-led side have all the big world class names in batting and majority players are versatile in their roles. Amabti Rayudu and Shane Watson were a terrific hand last season. They scored 1,157 runs between them. And then the evergreen Faf du Plessis adds solidity from the bench. A player that can bat in many positions just like Rayudu.
The pair of Suresh Raina and Dhoni hold the trump cards. Dhoni scored 455 runs last season and it was his strike-rate of 150.66 that stole the show. He often came in and got the temp flowing.
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The return of Kedar Jadhav and Mitchell Santner from injuries is a solid cushion. They missed the 2018 season and this is a chance for them to deliver.
Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo bring quality as all-rounders. They picked 25 wickets between them last term. Also one saw Bravo win a couple of matches with the bat.
The bowling unit has the feel to it. Lungi Ngidi looks hungry to keep learning. He picked a decent 11 wickets in his debut season. He is a future star in the making. Shardul Thakur has work to do and keep the performances coming.
Mohit will get the chance to play under his favourite skipper. Imran Tahir has been in the IPL for long now and knows the tricks and trades. The rest of the side can chip in and be the utility options.