BCCI has announced that the second phase of IPL 2021 would take place in UAE between September and October. However, since this schedule would be close to the World T20, there are doubts if the overseas players would be available. In that case, there is a likely possibility that Moeen Ali misses IPL 2021 for CSK.
Playing at No.3, Moeen was a revelation for CSK in the first phase of IPL 2021. He played fearlessly and set up an amazing platform for the batsmen below him. The Englishman also did well with the ball in a few games. Here are five players whom CSK can target if Moeen Ali misses IPL 2021 and replacements would be allowed.
1) Colin Munro – A Multi-Utility Cricketer CSK Can Target If Moeen Ali Misses IPL 2021
Despite doing well for New Zealand and in other domestic T20 leagues, Colin Munro has not fired in IPL. He is an attacking top-order batsman and a useful bowler. The cricketer is known for hitting centuries in T20’s consistently. Although his form has dropped a little, he still can be a reliable option for CSK. Especially with the choices around, if they can sign Munro to replace Moeen Ali at No.3, it would be a decent enough decision by the franchise.
2) Matthew Wade
In the T20I series held against India at the end of last year, Matthew Wade was one of the main tormentors of the Indian bowling attack. He took on the bowling from the word go and also got to well-made knocks, which helped his side to stay afloat. He is one cricketer who can replace Moeen at No.3 and perform a similar role. In UAE, where the boundary distance plays a huge role, Wade will be a useful member to have.
3) Glenn Phillips – An Exciting Replacement Option If Moeen Ali Misses IPL 2021
Surprisingly, no team is yet to test Glenn Phillips, the attacking wicket-keeper batsman from New Zealand. If you take his stats in recent years, you can see that the South African-born player has contributed with an attacking cameo more often than not. He has also got a few big scores in the middle. Recently, he has also shown that he can bowl a bit of spin. Hence, he would be an ideal replacement for Moeen Ali.
4) Devon Conway
Of course, if a few players miss the second phase of IPL 2021 and replacements get allowed, there would be a mad rush to sign Devon Conway, provided that the Kiwi cricketers would be permitted to take part in the tournament. Across formats, the southpaw is in blistering form and is sure to be part of IPL, if not this season, at least in the future editions. For CSK, though, he could actually turn out to be an upgrade on Moeen Ali as a batsman at No.3.
5) Heinrich Klaasen
If CSK has very few options on the table, they could think of signing South African wicket-keeper Heinrich Klaasen. The cricketer has been part of Rajasthan Royals and RCB in the past. In recent months, his form has been great and is now a consistent feature in the South African squad. He is also an attacking cricketer, who could do very well if given the license. Hence, Klaasen could be a decent option for CSK to target.
