CSK IPL 2021 training camp venue and dates disclosed, team comments on MS Dhoni's presence

BCCI is currently mulling over schedule and venues for 14th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL 2021). As COVID-19 situation deteriorates in India with each passing day, board has been a fix. While BCCI is exploring all possible options for IPL 2021, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have decided to hold ir team camp from March 11 in Chennai. tably, CSK captain MS Dhoni will also be joining camp from day one itself.

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CSK camp to get underway from March 11 in Chennai: Reports

While speaking to InsideSport, a CSK official said confirmed news and said that y are expecting all players to start coming in batches. He also disclosed fact that skipper MS Dhoni will be available and attending camp from Day 1 as  players' availability should t be an issue. official stated that y are very hopeful that camp will successfully begin and y will strictly follow same bio-bubble protocol and assured that additional measures are required to be taken at this st. He also said that franchise has put in place stringent health and safety protocols for camp and all participants will follow mandatory testing.

It is worth mentioning that two players of Chennai contingent had tested positive for ungodly coronavirus last year during camp in UAE which had put BCCI, as well as, or teams in a fix. Speaking about same, official said that last year, it was unfortunate and y have learnt ir lesson. He reckoned that this year y hope and pray thing like that happens. official opined that as of w, y don’t see any reason why additional measures should be taken because franchise trusts ir contingency and logistical plans.

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CSK IPL 2021 auction analysis

CSK had a dismal IPL 2020 where y finished at penultimate spot in points table, thus failing to qualify for playoffs for first time in ir history which is why y had to fill several loopholes ahead of auction. 

Chennai entered auction with six vacant slots including a place for one overseas player and a purse of ₹19.90 crore. three-time IPL champions were involved in a fierce bidding war with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals to bag Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, however, it was RCB who mand to get hold of him. Subsequently, CSK filled ir only overseas slot by buying England all-rounder Moeen Ali for ₹7 crore.

Chennai's next pick was former Punjab player Krihsnappa Gowtham who was caught in auction war between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, it was CSK who entered fray and roped him in by making a last moment bid.  K Gowtham IPL 2021 base price was ₹20 lakh. However, he was purchased by CSK for ₹9.25 crore, i.e. more than 46 times his base value. tably, it also made Gowtham most expensive uncapped player of all-time.

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But MS Dhoni-led franchise surprised everyone by buying India's batting mainstay in longest format of game, Cheteshwar Pujara for ₹50 lakh. CSK were only franchise to bid for right-hander as he was sold at his base price.  Cheteshwar Pujara IPL 2021 deal comes as a major a surprise considering he is a Test specialist. Pujara will w look to make most of opportunity presented to him. Chennai's or three picks were M Harishankar Reddy, K Bhagath Varma and C. Hari Nishaanth who were all bought at ir base price of ₹20 lakh.

CSK IPL 2021 squad

CSK players retained

MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, N. Jagadeesan, Robin Uthappa, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Dwayne Bravo, Karn Sharma, R. Sai Kishore, Mitchell Santner, Imran Tahir, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Lungi Ngidi, Josh Hazlewood, KM Asif.

CSK players bought at IPL 2021 auction

Moeen Ali (₹7 crore), K Gowtham (₹9.25 crore), Cheteshwar Pujara (₹50 lakh), M Harisankar Reddy (₹20 lakh), K. Bhagath Varma (₹20 lakh), C Hari Nishanth (₹20 lakh)

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SOURCE: CHENNAI SUPER KINGS INSTAGRAM