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

#4 2018 – Mark Wood – INR 1.5 crore

Mark Wood

The success of the Chennai Super Kings over the years has been largely due to their strong Indian core in all departments. A combination of one or two batsmen and all-rounders filled up three overseas slots, and a fast bowler completed the quota of four.

Players like Doug Bollinger, Makhaya Ntini and Ben Hilfenhaus have been the fast bowlers who have delivered for the Chennai-based franchise over the years.

In 2018, coming back after a two-year suspension, the Stephen Fleming-led management was looking adopt a similar strategy in the auction and were targeting overseas fast bowlers. They bought Kagiso Rabada for INR 4.2 crore, but the Delhi Daredevils used the Right to Match card to retain his services.

CSK also lost bidding wars for Pat Cummins and Chris Woakes to Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively. So they were left with no choice but to opt for Mark Wood.

The Durham pacer conceded 49 runs in 4 overs in the tournament opener, and was left out for the subsequent matches. CSK made a blunder with their reluctance to spend that extra bit of money to buy impactful players.