CSK CEO KS Vishwanathan Reveals, 'We Did Look Out for Replacements for Ambati Rayudu'

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is coming around the corner soon and franchises have been busy with the sides announcing the players that have been retained by the respective franchises on November 26. The defending champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have also released some players as they look to free up some funds for them to bolster their squad in the upcoming mini-auctions in December 2023.

Among the notable releases by the defending champions include that of Ambati Rayudu who has been a long-standing servant for the franchise. Rayudu joined CSK in 2018 and has been a crucial part of the side’s batting order. Before the finals of the 2023 edition of the IPL, Rayudu had revealed that he would play his last match for the iconic franchise, thus announcing his retirement.

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Questions remained as to who would take up the mantle from Rayudu who has been an ever-reliant batter for the Dhoni-led franchise.

The Chief Executive Officer of the CSK franchise, KS Viswanathan revealed that,” We did look out for some players as a replacement for Ambati Rayudu but we could not get. But that’s the way it goes. It’s not as if you will definitely get a player for a trade.”

The CEO also added, “We have only traded once in the past 15 years which was for Robin Uthappa.”

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Despite winning the title in 2023, the franchise is definitely undergoing a transitional phase with several players who played big roles like Dwayne Bravo, Ambati Rayudu, and Suresh Raina all retiring within the past few seasons.

The side currently has 31.4 crores in their purse with nine slots available to fill of which three are overseas players. Among the notable releases for the franchises include the English test-skipper, Ben Stokes who would not be taking part in the IPL due to a knee injury and prioritising National duties where England will take on India in a five-match Test series as part of the WTC cycle.