IPL retentions 2018: Analyzing CSK's retentions

Right to Match (RTM) cards:

CSK has the option to use two RTM cards, both on foreign players. They have three key frontrunners for the cards.

Dwayne Bravo had a time to remember with CSK

Faf du Plessis has been amongst the runs lately and has matured into a technically sound batsman who can handle pressure well. He forms a key part of the South African setup and can easily shift gears according to the situation, making him an excellent floater.

There is no need for an introduction for Brendon McCullum who is one of the pioneers in this format. He struck the first century of IPL to set the benchmark to assess the greatness of an innings. He is still in his prime, regularly churning out blazing starts for Gujarat Lions, and now for Melbourne Stars in BBL.

The third entrant is the rockstar Dwayne Bravo. Bravo has secured two purple caps in IPL which testifies his bowling skills. He has got an excellent slow ball that can flummox the best of batsmen. He is no mug with the bat either, as he can muscle his way around, especially in the dying stages of the game.

Verdict:

Dwayne Bravo will be an automatic choice, given his all-round utility which has become handy time and again. The second slot should be taken by Faf du Plessis, because of his flexibility in batting, and ability to adapt to the situation, as McCullum is more comfortable as an opener. McCullum doesn't keep wickets these days, which also works against him. Furthermore, Faf is only 33, a good three years younger to McCullum, and would be a better investment in long-term.