Andre Russell retires: All-rounders CSK can target in IPL mini auction after sudden change in plan

All-rounders CSK can target [Source: AFP Photo]

In a shocking turn of events, West Indian and KKR legend Andre Russell announced his retirement from the IPL, a move that came as a surprise. The all-rounder was rejected by KKR as he got released before the mini auction, and several teams were keeping an eye on him for the mini auction, set to take place in December.

One team that had set its sights on Russell was the Chennai Super Kings, as the team desperately needed a finisher to accompany MS Dhoni. Here are a couple of reasons why Russell was so vital for CSK's future plans.

Why Russell would have been perfect for CSK

Russell has been one of the best finishers in the history of IPL and he would have been a perfect finisher for the CSK team that struggled in that department, last campaign.

Batters with highest strike rate in death overs

• Russell has the fourth-best strike rate in death overs in the IPL, and hence, his presence would have been vital for CSK.

Apart from his batting, Russell would have also chipped in with the ball and that would have been handy for the Yellow Army. Hence, with no Russell, here are the alternatives CSK could go after.

1) Glenn Maxwell

For the Punjab Kings last season, Glenn Maxwell had a horror showing, only scoring 48 runs in seven matches as the batter was also dropped from the lineup. However, despite only being at his best for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, teams somehow go after the Aussie star, and it is mainly due to his ability to win matches from anywhere else.

He can bat anywhere in the top 6, a type of player CSK needs, and moreover, the all-rounder can also chip in with a couple of overs at the Chepauk Stadium.

2) Michael Bracewell

The New Zealand all-rounder, Michael Bracewell, has been in stellar form as of late, and if the CSK side fails to get its hands on Maxwell, then the Kiwi star could be a solid alternative. Plus, his overall T20 stats reveal the story of his greatness.

(Bracewell in T20s)

• Bracewell has a plethora of experience in T20s and this could come in handy for CSK as the batter loves to bat at 6, and could turn out to be the answer to CSK’s biggest woes.

3) Matthew Forde

Perhaps an underrated name in the list, the West Indian all-rounder Matthew Forde. In 2025, the star player has been in stellar form, and as history suggests, CSK have a habit of making stars out of young and raw talents, and they could do the same with Forde.

In T20Is, the batter has a strike rate of 150, and also has 56 wickets to his name, showcasing his all-round prowess. This is a trait that CSK needs and perhaps, the side could run after him in the mini auction.

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