IPL 2018: CSK stars who need to justify their price tags
The Chennai Super Kings need no introduction when it comes to the IPL. They are the most consistent side in the history of the league, with eight playoff appearances in eight seasons. One of the main reasons for their success is the fact that they have always retained their core players all these years. Their auction strategy has always been unique, be it bargain buys or buying back their former players. They have made the headlines on numerous occasions for the record buys at the auctions, be it MS Dhoni's price tag in 2008 or Ravindra Jadeja's price in 2012.
This year they are returning to the league after a two-year suspension due to the alleged involvement of their owners in spot-fixing. Expectations are sky-high this season for the fans of the Yellow Army. The Super Kings have assembled a pretty good squad for this season, but the age of some of their players has been the major talking point so far.
Let us now look at the players who must prove their worth after being bought for a higher price tag.
#3 Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur was bought by the Chennai Super Kings for INR 2.6 crore at this year’s auctions. The 26-year-old fast bowler is a bit inexperienced when it comes to the IPL. In 2015, he was bought by the Kings XI Punjab franchise, where he played just one match scoring 7 runs and picking up a solitary wicket. In 2017, he was bought by the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant side led by Steven Smith.
He played 12 matches for the Pune franchise and took 11 wickets at an economy of 8.57, with his best figures being 3/19. It seems that MS Dhoni was impressed by Shardul’s 2017 IPL performance, as he will once again play alongside the legendary former Indian skipper.
Thakur will be the domestic pace spearhead for the Super Kings this season, as they lack a quality and experienced Indian pacer in their squad. The young man with a huge responsibility on his shoulders has to perform well for Dhoni’s men after being bought for a huge amount at the auctions.