Chennai Super Kings had a disappointing campaign in IPL 2022. Apart from the dismal performances on the field, the franchise was also associated with a few controversies. Of course, the unavailability of Deepak Chahar was also a massive blow for the Chennai-based outfit. Nevertheless, the franchise will hope to come back stronger as they did in IPL 2021. For that, they will have to make a few changes ahead of the next campaign. On that note, in this article, we take a look at the list of four players who might not play for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023.
1) Ambati Rayudu
Matches: 13 || Runs: 274 || Average: 24 || Strike Rate: 122
Although Rayudu has been inconsistent in recent seasons, the management backed the player by shelling out INR 6.75 Cr for the batter at the auctions. However, the player managed to return with a campaign where he scored less than 300 runs.
In the middle, he also stirred up another controversy by announcing his retirement and then deleting that tweet. Considering these factors, Rayudu might be let go by CSK. Rayudu is not a reliable name for the future and since his price tag is also high, the management could release the player and invest in other suitable cricketers.
2) Robin Uthappa
Matches: 12 || Runs: 230 || Average: 20.91 || Strike Rate: 134
Robin Uthappa is one of the players who might not play for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023. The veteran cricketer was a positive sign for CSK in the first half of the campaign. He was one of the main reasons why CSK won its first game of the season. However, since then, he has tapered off.
Robin’s preferred position is at the top of the pile but with Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad doing well, he might not get that slot. Hence, the franchise could release him. That said, it may not be a surprise if Robin still gets retained, at least as a backup batter. However, keeping aside INR 2 Cr for a bench-warmer is a topic that the management might not be comfortable with.
3) Mitchell Santner
Matches: 6 || Wickets: 4 || Economy: 6.84 || Runs: 22
The case of Mitchell Santner has been very interesting for CSK. Although he does well often, he never gets a consistent run in the side. It was a similar event in IPL 2022. He had a decent outing with the ball but with the willow, the Kiwi failed to leave an impact.
Santner is the exact profile of Ravindra Jadeja. Having two players do the same thing might leave the franchise short on variety. Since Jaddu will return to IPL 2023, Santner might be in excess of requirements. Especially with IPL 2023 likely to be played in a home-and-away format, Jadeja will be good on the Chepauk pitch. Therefore, CSK does not need another left-arm spinner but might want a different type of spinner to add variety.
4) N Jagadeesan
Matches: 2 || Runs: 40 || Average: 40 || Strike Rate: 108
N Jagadeesan is also one of the players who might not play for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023. The Tamil Nadu man has been with CSK for a very long time but has hardly got opportunities. Looking at the composition of the squad, CSK might be better off releasing the talented cricketer.
Jagadeesan is someone who can anchor the innings and take on the bowling depending on the situation. For him, the best fit is as an opener. Since the openers’ slots are filled, Jagadeesan might not be that useful at No.4 or 5. He anyways did not do very well in that role in IPL 2022, although the sample size is less to give a clear judgment. Hence, CSK might release the player and look at other options such as Shahrukh Khan or Abhinav Manohar, if they are released by their respective outfits.