Vijay Shankar is Chepauk Super Gillies big catch in Player Draft

Having fielded an experienced side without any international players in the last two years, this will be the first time the Chepauk franchise would have a star in its line-up and most probably he would lead the team as well.

Team owner B Sivanthi Adityan said during a press conference at the draft he was looking to pack his side with all-rounders and on Thursday he found one in Shankar, who has played for India in T20 Internationals.

Vijay Shankar may miss some part of CSG’s campaign in the TNPL starting on July 11 due to his commitments for India in England and the India A squad, but Adityan explained he has another captaincy option in KH Gopinath, the wicket-keeper batsman, who has been with the Chepauk team since its inception.

“Vijay Shankar is an option if he has no further commitments apart from India A and UK. We have not talked to the players yet,” the team owner added.

He said he is happy with the team that he has got, especially the balance that he was looking for.

“We can leave as a happy side (from the Draft). Of course, there are a few negatives, like the retention rule. It was sad that we had to lose our successful captain (R Sathish),” Adityan said.

The CSG owner preferred an auction or personal signing instead of the Player Draft, which has an element of chance in it. “It is always different when you know and talk to the player before taking him in like in English Premier League or La Liga,” he said.