Anil Kumble rates Chennai Super Kings' performance at IPL 2018 auction

Two-time champions CSK came up with a stringent show at the IPL auction as they were left with Rs 6.5 crore even after buying the maximum limit of 25 players.

Former India captain Anil Kumble said he would give a six out of 10 for Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) performance at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, which was held in Bengaluru on January 27 and 28.

Kumble, who had been the chief mentor of Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, though said MS Dhoni's leadership will help add value to their purchases on the field.

Also read: IPL Auction: Here's how fans reacted to Kings XI Punjab's late purchase of Chris Gayle

CSK, who are returning to the league after a two-year suspension, bought 25 players, including eight overseas stars but still saved Rs 6.5 crore (highest among eight teams) in their purse at the end of the auction.

Nonetheless, CSK were facing flak for letting go of their local stars of the likes of R Ashwin, Dinesh Karthik and Washington Sundar. The two-time champions were also criticised for not buying young players and instead opting for ones aged over 30.

Twitterati even called the Chennai based-franchise "old age home" at the end of Day 1 of the auction, during which they bought the likes of Harbhajan Singh, Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu, among others.

"It's difficult to rate an auction. I would possibly give them [CSK] 6 on 10. But on the field, I am sure they will be a 9 on 10. That's the difference between what do in an auction and what you can bring into the field. I am sure MS [Dhoni] will be a 9 on 10 on the field," Kumble said during analysis show on Star Sports on Sunday.

Chennai Super Kings Captain and Wicketkeeper MS Dhoni gestures during the IPL Twenty20 cricket 2nd Qualifying match, between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Daredevils at the M.A.Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on May 25, 2012SESHADRI SUKUMAR/AFP/GettyImages

He added: "They [CSK] have the batsmen. They have chosen their batsmen wisely. You know the Rainas, Dhonis and the Jadejas and of course Faf [du Plessis]. Shane Watson can probably open and make sure they get off to a good start.

"Kedar Jadhav and Ambati Rayudu can bat spin really well. There is experience in the middle order. That is something they have done well.

"We always know that no matter what team you put out there, MS Dhoni will ensure that they will punch."

CSK's approach leaves Dean Jones disappointed

Meanwhile, former Australian cricketer Dean Jones lashed out CSK's stringent show at the auction.

"[Would give CSK] just a pass mark. I thought they were a little bit desperate in the end, picking players. They were left with 6 and half crore. They could have spent on a better fast bowler," Jones said.

CSK, who have always relied on a solid opening pair and foreign pace bowlers, did not get their favourite areas covered until the evening session on Day 2 of the auction.

The Stephen Fleming-coached franchise though bought the likes of openers Murali Vijay and Sam Billings and pacer Mark Wood in the penultimate session of the auction.

Complete CSK squad