'Chennai might try to acquire Smith, wouldn't be surprised if they go for Maxwell': Chopra

With IPL 2021 mini-auction nearing closer, cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra believes that three-time champions Chennai could try to rope in Australian talisman Steve Smith or power-hitter Glenn Maxwell to boost ir batting lineup. Both Australians have been released by ir respective franchises following a poor run in IPL 2020. Chopra has also stated that MS Dhoni-led squ might also have its eyes set on Aaron Finch and Jason Roy and eventually opt for any one of four aforementioned batsmen. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said that Chennai also have option of acquiring Dawid Malan but shunned English opener as a prospect citing MS Dhoni's track record, which implies that skipper has always opted for 'tried and tested' players. 

'y can go with Maxwell'

“ or option is y could try to acquire Steve Smith. y can go for one out of Finch or Roy. So y will have se 3-4 options. David Malan is ar option but Dhoni’s track record says that he goes for tried and tested players. So, I am going with Maxwell, Smith, Finch or Roy," Chopra said. 

Highlighting Maxwell's bowling abilities, Chopra asserted that Australian all-rounder might be a frontrunner in Chennai's target list. “I won’t be surprised if y are thinking about Glenn Maxwell because y do t have an off-spinner and it will t be easy to get an off-spinner in auction. If y want to get someone to open and Dhoni can do this, y can go with Maxwell and see what happens,” he said.

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Chennai anunced its first acquiring for IPL 2021 as it roped in Robin Uthappa from Rajasthan via tre window in an all-cash deal. Speaking on same, Chopra said that veteran wicketkeeper-batsman might t be a regular in playing XI.

“If you see story of last 4-5 years, y like to have overseas openers. y have let Murali Vijay go and taken Robin Uthappa. But I don’t think Robin Uthappa will be ir sure-shot first side starter. Because y have Ruturaj Gaikw, Faf du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina and n Dhoni. So in that case, Robbie may t fit in. I feel Ruturaj will be first-choice opener but who opens with him is a question,” said Chopra.

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Chennai retain core squ

Despite having a dismal season in 2020, franchise has retained most of its players including Ambati Rayu, Karn Sharma, Imran Tahir, Dwayne Bravo and Deepak Chahar. squ will be led by MS Dhoni as in previous editions of IPL so far. franchise has also retained young Ruturaj Gaikw, who me an impact in last leg of tournament in 2020, with some brilliant innings as he opened batting for team. Ace all-rounder Ravindra Jeja and Sam Curran along with Mitchel Santner have also been retained by franchise. On or hand, Kedar Jhav, Piyush Chawla and Murali Vijay have been released in a bid to increase franchise's purse amount for mini-auction. 

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