'He's not the same what he used to be': Gambhir explains what CSK need to do in upcoming IPL 2021 auctions

A lot of players in the team are on the wrong side of 30s and are nearing the end of their careers as CSK will look to replace them.

Chennai Super Kings failed to qualify for the playoffs of the Indian Premier League for the first time in their history. CSK looked under-par during IPL 2020 as they languished at the bottom position for the majority of the tournament before a resurgence in the last three matches.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Gautam Gambhir during the IPL 2015 match between the two sides in Chennai. (PTI Photo)

However, the problems were there to see in the CSK team as they missed a quality batsman at the top of the order. A lot of players in the team are on the wrong side of 30s and are nearing the end of their careers as CSK will look to replace them.

Shane Watson announced his retirement from cricket last year and former India opener Gautam Gambhir believes that CSK now need to find a replacement for ageing stars like Watson and Dwayne Bravo in the upcoming IPL auction for the 2021 season.

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"They need to have a replacement straightaway for Shane Watson because obviously, that is one area. Plus, they didn’t have Suresh Raina last time around. So, Suresh Raina will be available," Gambhir said while speaking on Star Sports' show 'Cricket Connected'.

The IPL auction is scheduled for Thursday in Chennai.

Since the IPL will be back in India in familiar conditions, Gambhir felt skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni may ring in a few more changes.

"......that's Chepauk where it's going to start spinning and gripping. That’s how MS plays his cricket over such a long period of time whenever he has captained CSK. So he might look at an off-spinner because Harbhajan has been released, Shane Watson and probably another all-rounder or a backup for someone like Dwayne Bravo, because probably age is catching up on him as well.

"He's (Dwayne) not the same what he used to be. So, probably there could be an all-rounder and plus an overseas batter, because there are two overseas batters normally who open for CSK. There’s not going to be too many changes to be honest."

Gambhir also said that CSK should have a smaller squad because "this is only an auction for one season".

"After this season, there's going to be a bigger auction. So, I don’t think CSK will have an overall revamp."

Gambhir said the return of Raina, who pulled out of the tournament last season, will add strength to CSK squad.

"This time around, Suresh Raina coming back will be a huge boost for CSK because he plays T20 cricket really well and he’s done a lot of good things for CSK. At the same time, they will have new players coming in, whether it’s a replacement for Shane Watson or probably an off-spinner or an all-rounder.

"So, when new players come in, obviously they will bring new ideas, they bring new energy as well. I am sure those are the areas CSK will be looking for."

(with PTI inputs)