IPL 2021: CSK retain Suresh Raina, released Kedhar Jadhav, Piyush Chawla and Murali Vijay

Amid much speculation, Chennai Super Kings veteran star Suresh Raina has been retained by the side. There were speculations that Raina could be dropped after he decided to pull out of the IPL citing ‘personal reasons’ in 2020 IPL. Raina is the most successful batsman of CSK with  4,527 runs from 164 matches for the franchise. He has retired from international cricket, but the three-time IPL champions still consider him an important cog in their wheel. Without Raina, CSK failed to qualify for Playoffs last term, finishing seventh.

As per a report in Cricbuzz, Chennai Super Kings are all set to part ways with veteran spinner Piyush Chawala and Tamil Nadu batsman Murali Vijay. While Vijay has been with the CSK squad since 2018, Chawla was roped in at the auction in 2019 and is likely to be let go of after spending only one season with the three-time champions.

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Chawala was CSK’s most expensive buy at Rs 6.75 crore in the player auction in 2019. However, the returns from the spinner were far from impressive as he managed only seven appearances for the side and picked up six wickets. By letting Chawla go, CSK will free up good funds, especially considering they have the lowest remaining balance in the purse at the moment – Rs 15 lakh.

Chennai might also release one of his match-winner batsman Kedar Jadhav. Jadhav didn’t do very well in IPL 2020 which might be the reason for his release.

Meanwhile, veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has parted ways with CSK. “As my contract comes to an end with @ChennaiIPL, playing for this team was a great experience..beautiful memories made &some great friends which I will remember fondly for years to come..Thank you @ChennaiIPL, management, staff, and fans for a wonderful 2years.. All the best…” he tweeted today.