IPL 2020 is happening in great flow as there is a superb fight going on for a spot in the playoffs. No team has clearly stood out so far, and that has added to the thrill of this edition.
A few gaps exist in each squad, and in most of the cases, these cracks have led to the downfall of the teams. Now, if each franchise was given the chance to pick a player from their 2008 roster, there would be an interesting ride on the cards.Let’s dive straight into it in the below article:
Chennai Super Kings – Mike Hussey
Chennai Super Kings have struggled on the batting front this season. There has been a lack of intent, and sometimes, the inadequacy of skills has also come to the fore. For such a squad, Mike Hussey from 2008 would be a great addition. Mike would add stability to the line-up, as taking his wicket is a tough job. The Aussie can switch gears easily, and that would help the unit strategize their batting innings very well. Most importantly, he would have been a perfect replacement for Suresh Raina in the line-up.
Delhi Capitals/Delhi Daredevils – AB de Villiers
The franchise from Delhi now needs an experienced finisher in its ranks. The likes of Rishabh Pant and Shimron Hetmyer have been off-color, while Marcus Stoinis is inconsistent. If you look at their 2008 squad, only one name comes to our thoughts. Not only the 2008-version of the player, but Delhi would also take the 2020-edition of ABD with closed eyes. Such is the impact of the South African that if he was to play for DC, the other teams might as well forget about this edition of the tournament.
Kings XI Punjab – Mahela Jayawardane
Well, at the start of this season, Mahela Jayawardane might not have been a suitable pick for KXIP. However, at the moment, a player like Mahela would add plenty to the squad. With Glenn Maxwell not firing, the team needs a player in the middle-order who can build on the good work by the openers. Mahela might not be explosive, but he at No.3 or No.4 would make this batting line-up more dangerous. Also, this young squad needs an experienced man at the center of the park in crunch situations.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly might not have done exceptionally well for KKR, but if the current squad could get a 2008-version of Dada, they would be quite happy. The former Indian captain is an influence in the line-up, and KKR needs some cricketers of his aura in the playing XI. Moreover, the Kolkata cricketer can add value at No.3, a position the current team is struggling with.
Mumbai Indians – Sachin Tendulkar
Mumbai Indians employ at least two uncapped batsmen in their top-order. Of course, there are other areas for improvement, but if they get a chance to have a player from 2008, it would obviously be the Master Blaster. Sachin Tendulkar batting alongside Rohit Sharma would be a massive treat, and the already strong batting line-up of MI would become untouchable.
Rajasthan Royals – Shane Warne
Despite having Shreyas Gopal, Rajasthan Royals have not looked threatening on the spin-bowling front. To fix this, they would love to have Shane Warne from 2008. The Aussie legend is a brilliant leggie who had adapted himself across all formats. Although spin bowling in T20 has changed, Warne’s traditional tactics is still be in demand.
Royal Challengers Bangalore – Jacques Kallis
Aaron Finch’s dismal form is slowly putting RCB off the track. In such a situation, if there is a pool of players from 2008 on offer, the management would definitely go for Jacques Kallis. The South African may be a slow batsman but he is the perfect guy to set a solid platform for the likes of Virat and AB. Kallis is also a good additional bowling option to have in the squad.
Sunrisers Hyderabad/Deccan Chargers – Andrew Symonds
Although the Hyderabad-based franchise in 2008 did have a brilliant set of players, we feel, at the moment, a guy like Andrew Symonds would do wonders for this team. Symonds is someone who can play at No.5 and No.6 and finish games with ease. He can be both destructive and submissive in his approach. SRH really needs such a player, and Symonds would fit the bill. He would also lend an additional spin-bowling option to Warner.
