3 players Chennai Super Kings must target in the IPL Trade Window

The Chennai Super Kings have been one of the most successful sides in the Indian Premier League history despite missing out on two seasons due to a ban. While the boys from Chennai emerged as the champions upon their return in the 2018 edition, they were defeated by Mumbai Indians in the final of the 2019 season.

Although the fans of the MS Dhoni-led franchise are happy with their team's performance in the last two years, there are a few issues in the squad which need to be corrected before the upcoming edition if the team are to put on yet another title-winning effort next season.

However, to do that, the management of CSK might have to bring a certain set of players who can add value to the team. It is hard to achieve this in the auctions alone, and hence, the franchise should make use of the IPL trade window effectively.

A few days ago, Mumbai Indians executed a swap deal with Delhi Capitals which saw MI's Mayank Markande switch sides with Delhi's Sherfane Rutherford. This was the first activity in IPL 2020 trade window, and CSK must also try to sign a few players before the auctions in this window to improve their squad.

On that note, here are 3 players they must target ahead of the auctions.

#3 Ish Sodhi

Ish Sodhi currently plays for the Rajasthan Royals

Chennai Super Kings could have problems with their spin-bowling department for the upcoming season. Imran Tahir has very few years left in him, while Harbhajan Singh has not been active in the domestic circuit. That would leave MS Dhoni with Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner and Karn Sharma as his spin-bowling options.

While Jadeja is a certainty to make it in the squad, Santner could have his game-time restricted as he is a player with similar attributes as Jaddu. Karn Sharma can be inconsistent at times and this could be a worry for the men in yellow in 2020.

Ish Sodhi is a terrific T20 bowler who can deceive the batsmen both at the start of the innings as well as during the middle-overs. He has experience at the highest level and can be a suitable replacement for Imran Tahir.

Rajasthan Royals have a good leggie in Shreyas Gopal and they could be willing to let go of the Kiwi. If CSK target this player in the trade window, he could be a fine addition to the squad.

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#2 Colin Munro

Colin Munro is an explosive opening batsman

With Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw likely to take the top 2 positions yet again next season for the Delhi Capitals, the team could be willing to relieve Colin Munro.

On the other hand, CSK could have to tinker with their batting line-up for IPL 2020. Shane Watson's dismal form during most of last season was a worry while Faf du Plessis' availability and form could always be a question mark. It is unsure if Sam Billings can remain consistent for 14 games and the retirement of Ambati Rayudu will also leave a vacant spot. Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni are not the batsmen they used to be and Kedar Jadhav is yet to fire for CSK.

Munro is an explosive opener, and if he gets going, he can turn the tables in the matter of a few overs. He has been with the New Zealand squad for a while and his experience at the international level could be useful to the squad. Munro can also offer a few overs with the ball and is a good fielder too.

CSK's run-rate in the power-play was the worst of all teams last season and Munro could be the answer to this problem. Hence, CSK must target the Kiwi in the trade window.

#1 Hanuma Vihari

Hanuma Vihari hardly played last season for Delhi Capitals

A regular with the Indian Test team now, Andhra Pradesh's Hanuma Vihari offers consistency and technical proficiency for any team he plays for. Although his attributes are more suited to Test cricket, if groomed well, he can succeed in the limited-overs version too.

CSK's domestic batting contingent could require reinforcements ahead of the next season. Ambati Rayudu has retired from the game while Suresh Raina is nursing an injury right now. Kedar Jadhav is injury-prone and MS Dhoni's current form might not allow him to carry the burden of his team's batting. Murali Vijay failed to convert his starts and Ravindra Jadeja has not been tested higher up the order.

With Hanuma Vihari, the team can get a batsman who can anchor the innings with ease. The other big-hitters could play around him and help increase the run rate of the team. Vis an asset both against the spinners and on the slightly green pitches. Moreover, his right-arm off-spin can be used like that of Raina's by Dhoni to tackle left-handers in the opposition.

At 25, he can be CSK's investment for the future, and so, the management must try to sign him.