IPL 2024 Auction: How CSK Will Fill Ambati Rayudu Void In Playing 11 Or As Impact Sub?

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Chennai Super Kings will miss the services of batter Ambati Rayudu, who has been used as a starter or an impact sub by the defending champions over the years in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Rayudu, who moved to CSK in 2018 after seven seasons with Mumbai Indians, has been an integral part of the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai-based side, where he has won three IPL titles, the same as his tenure with MI.

The 38-year-old also played a handy knock in CSK's record-equalling fifth title earlier this year, but the former Indian batter had announced the 2023 season would be his last in the IPL. So, CSK will need to look at a capable player to slot into the Rayudu role.

With a Rs 31.4 Crore remaining purse and a squad size of 19, how will CSK cope with Rayudu's absence in the line up? Will they opt for an internal solution or will they look for a player of similar skills in the IPL 2024 auction on December 19?

Finding a direct replacement for Rayudu is impossible, but CSK can try and mould a current player or do the same with a player they pick up at the auction. After all, Dhoni and CSK are known to revive careers and build a star for the future.

Who Will Be Rayudu's Replacement In CSK?

CSK can look at an internal solution in Rayudu's Andhra teammate Shaikh Rasheed, who has been part of the setup since last season. The Indian Under-19 cricketer is a top order bat, who can work on his power-hitting to try and takeover the role.

The Super Kings also have the option of rotating the current batting order by promoting Dhoni himself to do the role, but CSK will look at a longterm solution, and for that they may have to look for an external solution in the auction.

There are reports that CSK failed in their trade attempt for Punjab Kings' Shahrukh Khan and Rajasthan Royals' Sanju Samson, who have been on the whishlist of the Yellow Brigade for many years now. So, will they fit in?

Sanju Samson: The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter and RR captain is being talked about as the player, who will eventually takeover the gloves and the captaincy from Dhoni. He is unlikely to be a Rayudu replacement though. So, this can wait till the next edition.

Shahrukh Khan: Despite reports of PBKS rejecting a trade approach for the Tamil Nadu all-rounder, the Punjab-based franchise, who could have recouped Rs 9 crore with a trade, released the hard-hitting batter on November 26.

So, it won't be a surprise if CSK go all in for the Tamil Nadu star at the auction and he could be a capable replacement for Rayudu. He could be used in the impact sub role to finish innings with his power-hitting.

Manish Pandey or Karun Nair: The Karnataka duo, who have played for the national side, could also be good options for CSK should they fail in their bids for Shahrukh. Both players provide a good option with the bat in the middle order and also are excellent in the field.