Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad for IPL 2018: Final list of players after auction

After the much hullabaloo, Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 auction came to an end on Sunday. In the two-day affair, there were loads of surprises in store. While many teams changed their strategy from the previous editions, and looked to revamp their side, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) — gearing up for a resounding comeback after a two-year halt — invested in truckload of spinners and fetched some overseas pacers. MS Dhoni‘s presence must have surely prompted the team management to fill the side with variety of spinners.

Here is a quick look at the CSK lineup following the auction in Bengaluru.

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CSK’s shopping turned out to be a smart one. They had already retained their core — Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja — prior to the auction. Later, they used their RTMs for bringing back the likes of Faf du Plessis and Dwayne Bravo.

CSK’s lineup is filled with plethora of all-rounders and spinning options. Shane Watson, from Rajasthan Royals to Royal Challengers Bangalore, will now don the yellow jersey. (However, Brendon McCullum’s exit was severely criticised on social media).

The biggest surprise of CSK’s squad is Harbhajan Singh’s inclusion. Having played for Mumbai Indians (MI) — CSK’s fierce rival — he will turn up for Dhoni and co. from April 7. To accompany him in the spin arsenal is Karn Sharma, Mitchell Santner and Imran Tahir. (Not to forget, Kedar Jadhav’s handy off breaks along with Jadeja).

Barring the retention of Dhoni, Raina and Jadeja, CSK spent the most for Jadhav (INR 7.8 crorers). In the overseas pace department, they have earned the likes of Mark Wood, Lungi Ngidi and Watson.

Few uncapped Indian players are Kanishk Seth, Dhruv Shorey etc. Murali Vijay (after remaining unsold on Day One) returned back to his first franchise for INR 2 crorers.

How would you rate CSK’s shopping? How far will they go in IPL 2018?

Anil Kumble, in the panel discussion, had stated that Dhoni would make sure CSK are back with a punch.