Chennai Super Kings would be keen to extract the maximum out of the upcoming IPL Auction 2021. Here, we take a look at 3 overseas players that CSK might buy to plug-in the holes in their current IPL squad
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a disastrous IPL season in 2020 after the ‘Men in Yellow' finished seventh in the Points Table. For the first time in IPL history, the MS Dhoni-led side failed to make it to the IPL playoffs. A side that was built around experienced players, was devoid of Suresh Raina, a seasoned IPL campaigner, along with DJ Bravo was sidelined due to injury for a majority of the tournament.
The fact that CSK's key performers including the likes of Shane Watson, skipper MS Dhoni, and Ambati Rayudu, had a mediocre IPL 2020 was one of the main reasons for CSK's awful display throughout the tournament.
In the IPL 2021 auction, CSK would be keen on improving their overseas personnel, especially after Shae Watson played his last IPL in 2020, The management would also consider looking beyond under-performing Bravo for the upcoming season. CSK's IPL squad lacked enough depth, and it won't be a surprise if the Chennai-based franchise goes on a shopping spree in the upcoming IPL Auction 2021.
Here's a look at 3 overseas players CSK might target at the 2021 IPL auction:
1. Dawid Malan (England)
Dawid Malan has been quite a revelation in T20 cricket in the last couple of years. He has plied his trade in most of the T20 leagues around the. globe but is yet to make his IPL debut He has shown unreal consistency in the shortest format of the game for England since making his T20I debut in 2017.
The IPL 2021 could possibly kickstart his IPL career as one of the most sought-after overseas players in the 2021 IPL auction. He would be on the radar for quite a few teams this season. CSK could definitely eye roping in the English southpaw as a phenomenal option at the top of the order. In the absence of Watson, Malan will have plenty to contribute to CSK's IPL campaign in 2021.
Dawid Malan – Records in T20s
T20I for England: Matches – 19, Runs – 855, Average – 53.43, SR – 149.47, 100's/50's – 1/9
T20s: Matches – 219, Runs – 6027, Average – 33.48, SR – 128.83, 100's/50's – 5/35
ALSO READ List of Released and Retained Players for CSK in IPL 2021
2. Sam Billings (England)
Sam Billings is another great prospect for England and has even done reasonably well in the limited opportunities for CSK at the IPL. Billings was part of the CSK setup in IPL 2018 and 2019 before he was released ahead of the 2020 IPL auction. However, CSK management might be tempted to go with Billings as a decent overseas option to strengthen their middle-order.
After making an impressive debut in 2018, the 29-year old played in 9 IPL matches for CSK that season. He might have not scored a plethora of runs for CSK but has certainly improved as an international cricketer and a franchise cricketer in the BBL. He will be a useful addition for Chennai in the middle-order which largely depends on MS Dhoni.
Sam Billings – Records in T20s
T20I for England: Matches – 30, Runs – 391, Average – 17, SR – 133.44, 100's/50's – 0/2
T20s: Matches – 181, Runs – 3389, Average – 23.53, SR – 130.59, 100's/50's – 0/20
IPL: Matches – 22, Runs – 334, Average – 17.58, SR – 133.60, 100's/50's – 0/3
3. Daniel Sams (Australia)
Daniel Sams can be viewed as a like-to-like overseas replacement for CSK's Dwayne Bravo who is nearing the twilight of his cricket career. Bravo might have taken the most IPL wickets for CSK but has certainly missed a lot of matches in the last two seasons. While it is highly unlikely for CSK to release Bravo, Sams could be a good fit given his improved batting exploits in the recent past.
The 28-years old Australian all-rounder has taken the Big Bash League by storm in the last few seasons. He also made his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2020 and featured in three matches. Despite going wicketless, he is been viewed as a potential bowling all-rounder in cricketing circles.
Daniel Sams – Record in T20
T20s: Matches – 49, Runs – 376, SR – 142.42, 50s -1, Wickets – 61, Bowling average – 21.52, ER – 8.41
