IPL 2025: 3 Reasons Why CSK Will Target Ben Duckett In Mega Auction
Duckett could be a great option for CSK [X]
To the delight of cricket fans across the globe, the much-awaited IPL mega auction will take centre stage later this year. The showpiece event, which will be watched live by millions, gives all IPL franchises a golden opportunity to fill up the voids and fine-tune their squads before the lucrative tournament.
Regarding the Chennai Super Kings, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led outfit might make several bold changes to its squad to ensure an evolved performance in the IPL next year. They will focus on strengthening their batting department, as the batters' inconsistency was a significant reason behind their underwhelming run this year.
Why Will CSK Release Rachin Ravindra And Devon Conway?
Player | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rachin Ravindra | 15 | 177 | 19.7 | 136.20 |
Devon Conway | 14 | 238 | 18.3 | 115.5 |
(Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway in T20Is since 2023)
The stylish New Zealand batting duo of Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway has been ordinary in the shortest format of late. While Conway has been a major disappointment for the BlackCaps since 2023, Ravindra has had a topsy-turvy journey in this period. So, considering their vulnerability at the top order, CSK might consider releasing both and bringing someone else as Gaikwad's opening partner for IPL 2025.
Why Will CSK Target Ben Duckett In IPL 2025 Mega Auction?
Ben Duckett's Recent Form
Criterion | Data |
---|---|
Innings | 19 |
Runs | 551 |
Average | 36.73 |
Strike Rate | 150.95 |
(Ben Duckett in the shortest format since 2023)
England's Ben Duckett could be a front-runner to replace Conway and Ravindra, as he is in sublime form in the shortest format. The explosive southpaw has amassed 551 runs at an average of 36.73 and a blistering strike rate of 150.95 in all T20s combined in the last two years.
He enjoyed stellar success in this year's Hundred competition, emerging as the most successful batter for Birmingham Phoenix. So, his red-hot recent form makes his case strong for a potential IPL contract.
Ben Duckett's Powerplay Record
Criterion | Data |
---|---|
Runs | 1714 |
Average | 38.95 |
Strike Rate | 143.19 |
Ben Duckett is an asset with the bat at the top order, as he can capitalise on the field restrictions to torment the opponent's bowling attack. As the above table shows, Duckett has extraordinary numbers in the powerplay. His ability to play aggressively in the powerplay can help the Super Kings get a brisk start and claim the driving seat early in the game.
Ben Duckett's Impressive Numbers Vs Spin Bowling
Criterion | Data |
---|---|
Runs | 1870 |
Average | 29.21 |
Strike Rate | 147.36 |
Boundary Run % | 58.07 |
Another factor that bats for Ben Duckett's inclusion in the CSK camp is his impressive record against spin bowling. The Super Kings will play their home matches at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, where a spin-hitter could be pivotal for their success.
Duckett has a fairly good average against spin, and as a left-hander, he can take on leg spinners and slow left-arm off-spinners in the middle overs. So, if he gets his eyes in, the Englishman can be CSK's game-changer in the middle phase of the game. More importantly, he won't cost CSK much and considering he can play shots all around the park, it could be a smart profitable deal for the five-time champions.