IPL 2018: 5 players CSK should not retain

Irfan Pathan

Pathan's career has regressed since he last played for CSK

In more ways than one, Irfan Pathan has been a journeyman in the IPL. In the two years since he played for CSK, he has played for both Rising Pune Supergiant and Gujarat Lions but still struggled to maintain a spot in either side.

With age not on his side and plenty of better options, both in terms of Indian internationals and overseas stars, Irfan Pathan is likely to miss out. While he is a handy all-round option to have in the side, his lack of pace and the fact that he isn't the player he was when he last played for CSK in 2015 means that he shouldn't be among the 3 players that CSK do retain.

When you have the likes of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo, wasting the retention on Irfan Pathan, who could always be brought into the side for a cheaper price from the auction, makes no sense.