Chennai Super Kings will look to forget the show at UAE and focus on their acts in India for IPL 2021. In line with this, the management has already begun work in a positive direction. Underperforming players like Murali Vijay, Kedar Jadhav, and Piyush Chawla have been released, allowing space for fresh blood to enter the lion’s den.
As we are on this topic, it might not be a bad discussion to have about the proposition of CSK buying some of its old players back. A few of these cricketers are in form, and they fit the bill for the current requirements at the franchise. We look at five such cricketers in the below headings.
1. Sam Billings
Batting was the issue for CSK last season. Apart from Faf du Plessis, not one batsman looked consistent for 14 games. This deficiency had a massive impact on many games. To bolster this department, CSK might consider Sam Billings. The English wicket-keeper has had his moments in the yellow jersey. He had pulled out of the previous season and is likely to be available for the upcoming campaign. Sam is a dynamic player who can bat at all positions in the line-up. He is young but already quite experienced in the T20 format. The player can prove to be a quality backup for Faf du Plessis next season.
2. Chris Morris
Dwayne Bravo has not been at his exact best in the last few seasons. With the bat as well, the veteran has been a disappointment. CSK could try having a backup or even a player who could replace him in the playing XI. Chris Morris is the perfect option in this case. He has played for the franchise before, and also did well for them. There are concerns regarding his fitness, but with limited load, Morris could be a viable investment. At No.8, he can offer better batting skills than Bravo, and as seen last season, the South African has still got his tricks working in the death overs.
3. Ankit Rajpoot
With Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur with them, CSK has got one of the best domestic pace-bowling units of the competition. Both Chahar and Thakur are playing for India at the moment, and are hence quality inclusions. It might not be a bad idea to have one more pacer, namely the former CSK quick Ankit Rajpoot. The UP-bowler has done well in flashes in IPL and might need a captain like MSD to take his career to the next level. With the COVID restrictions, it is not sure if CSK or any other franchise would play seven of its games at one stadium. Hence, it would be useful to have options, and Rajpoot will be a decent pick.
4. Baba Aparajith
This man does deserve an opportunity this time around. Not only with the bat, but Baba is a fine choice with the ball in hand as well. In one of the SMAT games, the all-rounder picked a couple of wickets with his off-spin. CSK does not have a right-arm off-spinner, and Baba is the best possible option at the moment. More importantly, he can play in the top-order and hold one end while allowing the likes of Raina and Faf to go full throttle. Adding Baba to the roster will be a sweetener to the already massive home fanbase of CSK.
5. Pawan Negi
It was actually in CSK that Pawan Negi had his breakthrough season. After the stint in the yellow jersey, Pawan even made his debut for the Indian Team. Things might have not gone the desired route, but Pawan can still make a name for himself in IPL. Chepauk is a spinners paradise, and having a guy like Negi who can spin the ball brilliantly can be a good choice. He has the experience and can be explosive with the bat in the lower order. CSK can also employ the Delhi lad as a floater and a pinch-hitter if they hire him.
