The IPL Transfer window is a wonderful addition to this year’s IPL, as players warming the bench for one franchise could actually slot straight into the XI for some other franchise.
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This helps both, the players and the franchises, as optimum utilisation of resources comes to the fore in the biggest T20 tournament in the world.
CSK have been a revelation this season, winning close games, one after the other, admirably led by MS Dhoni, whose calmness has helped CSK get over the line in crunch situations.
However, a few of those CSK players haven’t really received the opportunity to get into the mix, despite being good enough to make an impact in the IPL.
These players could solve a few issues for some other franchises and get some much needed game time under their belts.
Note: The IPL Transfer window will begin from Match 28 and will last until the Match 42. Only uncapped players and capped players who have played less than 3 games for their franchise this season will be eligible for transfers.
Here we look at 5 CSK players who could be traded during the transfer window.
1) Murali Vijay
Murali Vijay has been warming the bench for CSK despite being one of the most successful openers in their history.
When Vijay was bought back by CSK, it seemed like those typical ‘Vijay flicks’ would make a comeback to the IPL, but he has managed to play just one game for the franchise up until now and that too because of an injury to Suresh Raina.
With Raina fit and healthy again, it seems very unlikely that Vijay will be drafted into the XI again, more so because of Rayudu’s form at the top of the order.
But for the kind of experience that he possesses, another IPL team, struggling for a solid opener could make good use of him.
With Gambhir almost out of the mix for Delhi, DD could be a potential destination for the CSK man.
2) Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis has also been a CSK man through and through, except those two years when CSK were banned from playing in the IPL.
However, an injury to him early on and Rayudu’s form at the top of the order has meant that du Plessis hasn’t been able to cement his place in the side.
He did get a go when Imran Tahir was injured , but he couldn’t take full toll of the opportunity and hence I don’t see him playing donning that yellow jersey again this season.
du Plessis has been a fan favourite all these years, but in this current CSK set up, he just doesn’t fit in.
Again, he could be drafted into a side, looking for some stability at the top of the order or during the middle. Maybe Rajasthan Royals?
3) Mark Wood
Mark Wood did play initially for the CSK this season, but he couldn’t really impress and then the Thakur, Chahar duo came along, giving MS Dhoni the chance to play Imran Tahir in the side.
Wood has been left out of the side ever since and with Willey having come in, Wood could be drafted out in the transfer window.
Wood is traditionally a hit the deck fast bowler who can also bowl at the death. His pace gets batsmen into trouble.
Now, where he could potentially move to? RCB are having a tough time getting their bowling attack into place, maybe Wood could find some game time there.
4) Dhruv Shorey
Dhruv Shorey is one of the most technically sound Indian batsmen out there but he hasn’t gotten his opportunity to play for CSK until now.
He is predominantly an opening batsman who is also known for his part time off-spin. However, with Vijay already waiting in the ranks, it seems unlikely that Shorey will get a go this season.
An Indian top order batsman, well which team needs that? SRH have been struggling a little to find that ideal number 3 and maybe Shorey could help them out a little bit with it.
5) KM Asif
KM Asif is an out and out fast bowler, who was identified by Jeff Thompson during a camp.
The youngster hails from Kerala and burst onto the scene with some stellar performances during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, troubling batsmen with his raw pace.
CSK’s scouts wanted a strong Indian domestic fast bowling unit and hence bought him during the auction.
However, he hasn’t been able to get any game time and would love to move to another franchise and get some game time under his belt.
Again, RCB could be the possible destination for the young kid, considering their bowling woes.
