IPL 2019: 3 CSK players whose performance will be keenly observed by the selectors
The 12th edition of Indian Premier League is less than 6 months away and already teams have started their preparations for the upcoming season. Chennai Super Kings led by M.S.Dhoni won the previous edition of IPL that was concluded earlier this year and will enter the twelfth season as the favorites to win the season again.
Chennai Super Kings didn't invest much in the auctions that were concluded a few weeks ago. They got back Mohit Sharma who had played for them in 2013 and 2014, and also roped in an uncapped player in the form of Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Chennai Super Kings is a team with a mix of veterans as well as youngsters. While the youngsters would utilize the opportunity to showcase their talents in the bigger stage, the veterans would try to make the fullest of the opportunity as it would determine their careers going into the future.
Let us look at 3 Indian players who would need to perform out of their skin to secure their spot in the national team.
#3 Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu, who was an important cog for Mumbai Indians since 2010-2017 was bought by Chennai Super Kings for the 2018 season. After being promoted to bat as an opener, the right-handed batsman has scored 602 runs at an impressive average of 43.00 and at a strike-rate of 149.75.
Despite putting up a terrific performance with the bat, the right-handed batsman couldn't find a spot in the national side for the England tour as he failed the fitness test. However, he was back in action representing the National side for the Asia Cup.
After putting up decent performances with the bat, Ambati Rayudu had some good scores in the West Indies series. Unfortunately, he was again at the receiving end as he couldn't find a spot in the T20 series against Australia.
However, the selectors have shown some faith and he was picked for the ODI series against Australia that starts in January. This along with the IPL season in 2019 will be the final opportunity for the 33-year-old as a string of failures could well result in him being out of the squad for the ICC World Cup 2019.