It is that time when teams would start thinking about the IPL 2022 season. With two new teams likely to arrive and a mega-auction to take place, the scope for dynamics is too high. CSK have always depended on experienced players to pull off the job. However, they might have to go with a blend in future editions. Hence, they could target a few young cricketers. In this article, we talk about six uncapped players whom CSK must target for IPL 2022.
Although the 2018 edition was a success, CSK later learnt that only backing the veterans may not guarantee IPL success anymore. Since then, they have been supporting youngsters like Ruturaj Gaikwad. This could actually be the way forward with the likes of MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina entering the final few seasons of their IPL careers.
1. Nitish Rana
Nitish Rana may not be a youngster, but he is experienced in IPL. KKR may not retain him, and hence, CSK could target the Delhi man. Rana plays well against spin, and this factor could help CSK on the spin tracks at Chepauk. Although Rana has been opening recently, he is actually a player who bats in the middle-order. Hence, he could also be a fine replacement for Suresh Raina at No.3.
2. Chetan Sakariya
Chetan Sakariya has started IPL 2021 on a good note. He is one of the uncapped players whom CSK must target for the next season. A young man, Sakariya has plenty of variations up his sleeve. He has also got a good attitude to learn and adapt to difficult situations. The left-arm pacer is a whole-hearted cricketer who has plenty of potentials to grow. He might be a good inclusion for CSK.
3. Abdul Samad
Abdul Samad is popular to get the big hits on a consistent basis. So far, he has managed it against the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins. He is also a useful bowler and can impact games on tracks that support spin. Moreover, he is young and could be the right investment for a three-year cycle. Hence, CSK must target him for IPL 2022.
4. Ravi Bishnoi
Ravi Bishnoi is one of the youngsters CSK must target for IPL 2022. He is a rising young leg-spinner whom everyone is expecting to make it big. Punjab Kings could release him, and the rookie could find himself in the auctions. CSK does not have a leggie who can consistently feature in the XI. Imran Tahir would anyways not be a part of the scene. Bishnoi is someone who is still developing and is likely to be a top cricketer in the next few years. He can also bat a bit, an attribute that would bode well with CSK.
5. Riyan Parag
CSK are likely to return to Chepauk from IPL 2022. Hence, they would have to stock their spin options. However, from a team-balance perspective, there would be a necessity for a player in the batting department who could offer a few overs. Riyan Parag certainly looks a good fit. He is young and seems to have the attitude to win. The player will not be retained by RR and is also likely to come cheap. Hence, CSK must look to sign him.
6. Arshdeep Singh
Fast bowlers with extra pace may not be suitable to the tracks in Chennai. A bowler must have variations and should be able to adapt quickly to the conditions. CSK could target Punjab’s Arshdeep Singh for this. The young left-arm pacer will also add variety to the bowling unit. Although his bowling is similar to Sam Curran, he is a domestic option and will help the team enter the season with multiple strategies.
7. Shahrukh Khan
Tamil Nadu all-rounder Shahrukh Khan is in good form and could be a probable candidate to take care of CSK’s middle-order in the future editions. CSK needs a few home-grown cricketers to keep the fan base engaged. At the moment, considering his big-hitting skills, Shahrukh can be a good option.
