As much as the Indian Premier League is a competitive cricket tournament, as seen over the years, there is scope for emotions and sentiment in this league too. Seeing our beloved players represent the franchises that we support can be a pleasing affair.
Although not deliberately, sometimes, franchises tend to buy one or two players to assuage the fanbase. This way, the teams also get an excuse to become dearer to the fans.
While we are on that topic, we conceived of an idea wherein some deals could bring a lot of joy to the fans. If these moves do befall, IPL 2021 is absolutely going to be very exciting.
1. Chris Gayle to Royal Challengers Bangalore
Chris Gayle is probably the best T20 player that the game has seen so far. Despite being over 40, the ‘Universe Boss’ almost pulled KXIP to playoffs this season. However, every fan of RCB just cannot imagine Gayle playing for another franchise. He is someone who developed an identity for the franchise, and at the moment, the team needs similar momentum. KXIP may not invest in Gayle again, and if that happens, RCB would be hoping to sign him. It could also be the ‘last dance’ for the entertaining West Indian in IPL.
2. Harbhajan Singh to Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians are also known to pull off such moves. They did that in 2019 with the signing of Yuvraj Singh. It may not be a surprise if they do something similar ahead of next season. Bhajji may not play for CSK again, and with MI also needing an off-spinner, the ‘turbanator’ could be a suitable pick. Although they may not expect him to feature in every game, the Punjab-spinner could at least play cameo roles for the franchise. For Bhajji as well, retiring at MI could form a well-completed arc.
3. Dinesh Karthik to Chennai Super Kings
Many a time, Dinesh Karthik has profused his love for his home-franchise Chennai Super Kings. We feel that 2021 might be the right time for his dream to be fulfilled. KKR might not retain DK due to his underwhelming show in 2020. He is anyway not the captain of the squad now. On the other hand, CSK needs some firepower in the middle-order. They are sure to release Kedar Jadhav, and DK might be a like-to-like replacement for him. Also, after Dhoni retires, DK could be the right guy to go behind the stumps. For the fans, though, DK wearing the yellow jersey might be a very beautiful sight.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin to Chennai Super Kings
CSK were forced to release Ravichandran Ashwin a couple of years ago. After two years at KXIP, Ashwin played for DC in the recent edition. Although he was decent, if there is a mega-auction, DC would not retain him. If he comes back to the auctions, CSK must go hard after him. The team would need a right-hand off-spinner if IPL takes place in India in 2021. In that case, there would not be a better option than Ashwin. Firstly, he knows the Chepauk pitch very well, and most importantly, he would play under MSD, the man who brought the TN-player to the limelight.
5. Ambati Rayudu to Sunrisers Hyderabad
SRH lacks sting in the middle-order. While that is about their cricketing affairs, the team also is lacking when it comes to the fanbase. Even some of the local fans do not support their team too much. The main reason for the same is the absence of a homegrown player whom the fans can associate with. If Ambati Rayudu comes in, he can fulfill the gap in both the playing XI and in the fan-engagement activities. For Rayudu as well, he needs a franchise where he gets rated highly. He is an underrated performer, and playing for SRH could satisfy his needs as well.
