Chennai Super Kings bought as many as six players in the IPL 2021 player auction. Moeen Ali seven crores and Krishnappa Gowtham at 9.25 crores were two of their biggest buys in the auction. The franchise finished seventh in IPL 2020 in what was their worst season ever They lost as many as eight games last season. Releasing some of the aging players, CSK roped in some players who were in many ways utility players for the franchise for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, the franchise has also roped in former Punjab Kings overseas pacer Hardus Viljoen as a net bowler for IPL 2021. Viljoen, who played one Test match for South Africa in 2016, was spotted bowling in one of the net sessions. The pacer was roped in by Kings XI Punjab in 2019 for Rs 75 lakhs. The pacer has taken 7 wickets in 6 matches. Famously Viljoen is Faf Du Plessis’ brother-in-law and might play alongside him in the XI.
South Africa fast bowler Hardus Viljoen is one of the net bowlers of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021. pic.twitter.com/650VxBpjDG
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 21, 2021
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Chennai Super Kings To Kick Off IPL 2021 Campaign Against DC
CSK will kick-off their IPL 2021 campaign against the Delhi Capitals, which will be the second game of the season on April 10. They will play five games in Mumbai, four in Delhi, three in Banglore and two in Kolkata. They have already started training at the Chepuk and have been busy with their preparations. All sides will be traveling just thrice in the entire season to reduce commute and minimize the risk of COVID-19.
CSK finished seventh in the points table last season, which was their worst IPL campaign in the history of the tournament. They won six games and lost eight in a season where they failed to make it to the playoffs for the very first time.
The franchise has again banked on their senior players to do the job. Along with Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo, Faf and Ravindra Jadeja from the core of the side. Robin Uthappa was traded in by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2021 player auction from Rajasthan Royals.
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