Former champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are undoubtedly one of the biggest sides in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having won the title on three occasions to date. Furthermore, they have always qualified for the playoffs in the 10 seasons they have featured in.
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Nonetheless, 2020 has not been the season they would have expected for, as they have failed to qualify for the playoffs, for the first time. Also, they are lurking at the bottom of the table.
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Naturally, the team's performance this season has been questioned, as many are calling for an overhaul, besides urging skipper MS Dhoni to step up. On the same note, we take a look at some of the players, who could be let go after 2020's horror show.
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Suresh Raina: The veteran has been an integral part of the side since 2008. However, he opted out this season owing to personal reasons, while there are also reports of a fallout with the team management. Consequently, he has a high chance of parting ways.
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Harbhajan Singh: Another veteran, who was roped in in 2018, too, decided to leave the squad before the tournament, for personal reasons, just like Raina. Again, there were reports that he also might have had a fallout with the management, and could be on the same firing line as Raina. What's happening?
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Kedar Jadhav: The batsman has failed to make an impact on the side. With the bat, he has scored just 62 runs in five innings, at an average of 20.66. While he is ideally an all-rounder, he opted out of his services with the ball, to focus on his batting. It seems like it is getting him nowhere, as CSK would have to part ways with him, owing to his inconsistency.
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Imran Tahir: Now, this is a dicey one. Tahir is one of the deadliest spinners in the format. However, owing to the conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), he has not been persisted upon. Although things could change if the tournament is held in India next season, he would soon turn 42, making him a liability for the side.
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Piyush Chawla: The leg-spinner does not seem to have the same spark as he possessed during his stint with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he won a couple of titles. Although he had previously won a couple with CSK as well, his charm seems to have worn out. He has become irregular with his spin, and even his fielding has degraded. Indeed, he will be getting the knock from CSK.
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Josh Hazlewood: The Australian pacer has not got enough chances. But, in the three matches he has played so far, he failed to impress. He has claimed just a wicket, while he possesses the worst average (64.00) among the bowlers who have played at least three matches. Not sure if CSK would have any reason to retain him.
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