IPL: 5 auction blunders committed by Chennai Super Kings over the years

#3 2015 – Irfan Pathan – INR 1.5 crore

Irfan Pathan

Having adopted an all-Indian bowling attack in the 2014 season, CSK lacked a quality all-rounder. That came back to haunt them as their bowlers were smashed by Virender Sehwag for a whirlwind 122 off 58 balls in the 2nd qualifier, which knocked them out of the tournament.

They did buy Irfan Pathan for just INR 1.5 crore, and he was expected to play a key role for the Super Kings. Going into the 2015 season, he was the only Indian to have achieved the double of 1000 runs and 75 wickets in the IPL. But he just didn't play enough for CSK to make much of a difference.

Pathan was expected to be a part of the playing XI from the start of the season, but injury ruled him out of the first two weeks. To the surprise of everyone, he was left out of the team as Pawan Negi was preferred ahead of him.

The fans kept calling for his inclusion in the side, but the management just didn't pick him in the side often enough. Maybe that's a blunder they regret now.