IPL 2021 Auctions: Chennai Super Kings should look to shed the ‘Dad's Army’ tag, says Aakash Chopra
Former India player Aakash Chopra said that it was time for the Chennai Super Kings to shed the ‘Dad's Army’ tag, and change their strategy before heading into the next season.
In Short
- Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina were not available for CSK in IPL 2020
- MS Dhoni-led side finished seventh in the points table
- They did not qualify for the IPL Play-offs for the first time ever
MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings have often relied on experienced players, rather than youngsters, to take them through most IPL seasons. The CSK is also the franchise with the highest average age of players in its team, and therefore have earned the nickname of the ‘Dad’s Army’.
Former India player Aakash Chopra speaking on Star Sports’ IPL retention special program said that it was time for the IPL franchise to shed the ‘Dad's Army’ tag. He said that the three-time champions need to change their strategy before heading into the next season.
“As the deadline for the IPL Player Retention process approaches, I feel now would be the right time for CSK to shed their ‘Dad’s Army’ tag and introduce young talent in the team.
“Mahendra Singh Dhoni has relied heavily on senior players who have performed in the past, but he along with the CSK think-tank need to change their strategy,” Chopra said.
He also added that they need to retain some of their young talent like Ambati Rayudu, Shardul Thakur and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who did well in IPL 2020.
“They would certainly need to retain last year’s match-winners like Ambati Rayudu, Shardul Thakur and Ruturaj Gaikwad,” he added.
CSK had a weaker side in IPL 2020, as many of its key players including Harbhajan and Suresh Raina were not available to play the tournament. As a result CSK finished seventh in the points table and for the first time did not qualify for the IPL Play-offs.