The IPL 2022 mega auction is just a few days away, and all franchises will be devising strategies to secure top players for their squads. The defending champions, Chennai Super Kings, have to play a balancing act of constructing a squad for the future while reuniting some of their important players, who comprise the team’s core.

CSK kept four players ahead of the IPL auction, including legendary captain MS Dhoni (Rs 12 crores), all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja (Rs 16 crores) and Moeen Ali (Rs 8 crores), and young opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad (Rs 6 crores). They have Rs 48 crore left in their budget and would have to be exceedingly cautious in how they spend it.

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CSK management must remember that the team they build should not be limited to Indian circumstances, since the continuing COVID-19 epidemic may result in the league being conducted in the UAE or any other location in the future.

Here are the five players we believe CSK should aim to grab in the auction:

Quinton de Kock: The South African wicket-keeper batsman is a valuable asset at the top of the order and also an excellent wicketkeeper. In the long run, CSK must hunt for a replacement for Dhoni, and they must go beyond Faf du Plessis for the opening spot. De Kock has proven his worth in the IPL and will be a fantastic acquisition.

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Shardul Thakur: A competent white-ball bowler with the ability to vary the pace, as well as a much-needed lower-order hitter who ensures batting depth. CSK should make every effort to reclaim him.

Rovman Powell: This is a side in dire need of some big-hitting talent down the order, and Powell has already proven his worth in the recent series against England. Windies players are usually thrilling to watch, but they are dangerous to gamble on, so there may be less competition.

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Raj Angad Bawa: The 19-year-old all-rounder has immense potential and CSK should aim to nurture him by acquiring him in the auction.

Deepak Chahar: He has been instrumental in CSK’s powerplay and has MS Dhoni’s trust. Another player, CSK, should go the extra mile to get him back.