Transitions are never easy, especially when it comes to legends. Fortunately for CSK, they only have one legend to do with the surrounding situation – MS Dhoni. Others who made CSK one of the most successful franchisees in IPL, such as Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo and Michael Hussey, have all retired. Ravindra Jadeja may have a few seasons left.
Ravicandran Ashwin returned aside nine years later, uninstalling was relatively much easier.
But, how to deal with Dhoni? He is a demigod, admired by fans, respected by his compatriots, consulted by management and sought after by brands.
To make things more complicated, he still maintains a keen attitude like he has ever been and his reading of the game is still disturbing. The outstanding terminator, PowerHitter, the game-changer has surpassed his peak form. Continuous knee problems also slowed down the fastest legs between the wickets.
It's one thing to have Dhoni around the team – his mentoring can really help young people – but getting him to XI can be harmful to the team's progress.
Dhoni is considered a great tree that has long been nurturing its surroundings. But, in its huge shadow, nothing else can grow. In order for young saplings to flourish and become trees, they must step out of the shadows and face the harsh but essential sunshine. Some people may not survive, but those who do so will ensure that the jungle lasts forever.
The second major challenge for CSK will be to rebuild their squad. There are only two wins in 10 games this season, and it is clear that their investments in large auctions before the season have not achieved ideal results, which puts their retention and auction strategies in the dock.
They kept Jadeja's up to Rs 18 crore – a few months after he announced his retirement from T20IS. When KL Rahul (to the capital of Delhi) only costs Rs 14 crore, Shivam Dube was kept at Rs 12 crore. At the auction, when Maheesh Theekshana (Rajasthan Royals) snapped up for Rs 440 crore, they spent Rs 975 crore for Ashwin.
None of the batsmen they buy at auction are of high quality. People like Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, and Vijay Shankar are good supportive behaviors, not the main character who hosts the show. This is reflected in the batting performance this season.
But, even if CSK wants to give their team a fresher look next season, how will they do it? Top players have been snapped up during the big auction. Before next season’s mini-shooting, any franchise release is as likely to be as high as they are on the rankings. For CSK, the road ahead may be steep, but not unfamiliar. They have done it before until 2023.
