Shane Watson has informed the management of the Chennai Super Kings that he will not take part in IPL from next season. Hence, that brings an end to a successful collaboration between the two parties.
When CSK picked Watson in 2018, many were critical of the move. There were apprehensions because he had been in bad form, and was also not bowling well. However, CSK used him in such a way that a fine example was set for other teams regarding player-management.
While the franchise reduced his bowling duties considerably, they backed him to the end in the batting department. The move paid several dividends, as Watson won multiple games for the squad.
However, it will be a tough job for CSK to replace him for the upcoming campaigns. The better overseas batsmen are already in different teams, and it will involve an intelligent move if Watto has to be replaced. On that note, here are six options whom we think CSK can start discussing about.
1. Dawid Malan
In 16 T20Is so far, Dawid Malan has scored 682 runs at an average of 48.7 and a strike-rate of 146.7. He is also ICC’s No.1 T20 batsman at the moment. With so much going his way, it was surprising that no IPL team riddled by injuries picked him as a replacement. Nevertheless, the English batsman will be in demand next season. For CSK, he should be the No.1 target on the list. A terrific timer of the ball, if Raina does not play for CSK again, Malan will also become a necessary left-hander in the top-order.
2. Martin Guptill
Martin Guptill has, unfortunately, got very few opportunities in IPL. However, if he has to succeed, there cannot be a franchise better than CSK to do it in. Also, if CSK can back Guptill like the way they did to Watson, they can expect better performance by the Kiwi. Finally, an opening combination of Faf du Plessis and Martin Guptill will be a nightmare for the opposition.
3. Colin Munro
The 33-year-old has been an IPL flop, but you could argue that he wasn’t given sufficient chances. That said, Munro is still one of the best T20 batsmen in the game. CSK like to have multi-functional players, and Munro is one such player. He can bowl a bit and is also a decent fielder. If given some real chances, he could actually come out good in the competition.
4. Shai Hope
With an average of over 50 in ODI cricket and a slowly improving one in T20Is, Shai Hope is someone the fans of the game must be excited about. CSK could actually place a bet on him to come good for them. In fact, so far, Hope has done decently well on Indian pitches. He is also a wicket-keeper, something that could help the franchise if MSD misses a game or two.
5. Jason Roy
We think that Jason Roy will be the most suitable replacement for Shane Watson at CSK. Roy is an explosive batsman who can take the game away from the opposition in just a few balls. He has experience in IPL, and could also come cheap at the auctions. The Englishman is 30-years-old and has plenty of IPL-years left in him to make an impact.
6. Evin Lewis
Evin Lewis has had his moments in IPL, but they didn’t come at a consistent rate. Nevertheless, he is still one of the highest-ranked T20 batsmen on the planet right now. Hence, the West Indian does deserve a second chance in IPL. CSK should target him so that they could have someone provide the attacking starts that they lacked this season.
