IPL 2019: 3 Players who should be on Chennai Super Kings’ Radar

The 2018 edition of the IPL was a resounding success. While the cricket on display scaled new heights, the returning figures of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals added intrigue.

The Men in Yellow picked up from where they left off in 2015 and went one better by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad to clinch their 3rd IPL crown.

Criticised for going in with too many on the wrong side of 30 at the 2018 auction, their veterans silenced those critics with scintillating displays. Shane Watson came up trumps with both bat and ball, whereas Ambati Rayudu had his best-ever IPL season.

However, the most pleasing aspect would’ve been the way their talismanic skipper batted throughout the tournament. Often looked upon as a slow starter, MS Dhoni wound the clock back and produced some vintage innings.

Moreover, the younger crop of players, which included Deepak Chahar and Lungi Ngidi rose to the occasion and let themselves be counted.

In the off-season, Chennai Super Kings stayed true to their formula of keeping their core intact and unsurprisingly, didn’t shake things up. However, the IPL Auction on the 18th of December represents the perfect opportunity for the Men in Yellow to freshen things up and have a tilt at an unprecedented 4th triumph.

Through this article, we would look at three such players who the Chennai Super Kings should have on their radar come the auction. Here is a look at 3 players CSK should take a closer look at:

#3 Rajneesh Gurbani

Rajneesh Gurbani is an Indian pacer who represents Vidarbha in the domestic circuit. Currently given the hour of turning out for India A, the lanky pace-bowler has been performing consistently for his domestic sides.

In 2017-18, Gurbani led Vidarbha to a historic Ranji Trophy title. He later played an instrumental role in them laying their hands on the Irani Trophy as well. Having risen through the ranks in Nagpur, the fast bowler seems primed to get a national call-up sooner rather than later.

Gurbani’s biggest asset is his unwavering accuracy. Though he doesn’t hit the 140 kmph mark very often, his bowling intelligence offsets the relative lack of pace. Additionally, he is very skillful with the new ball. Blessed with the ability to move the ball both ways, Gurbani is a tough proposition to tackle in the initial stages.

CSK aren’t that well stocked in the Indian pace bowling department with Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar their only realistic options. Though the pair performed admirably last season, an injury or loss of form to either would leave a gaping hole.

Thus, it would make perfect sense to invest in an Indian fast bowler capable of getting through his quota of overs.

At the 2018 Auction, Gurbani was valued at 20 Lakhs yet went unsold. Even this year, one can expect his base price to hover around the same mark. With him potentially coming so cheap, CSK should go all out to bring him on board.

While it may not be the marquee signing that would get fans off their seats, it surely would be a signing that strengthens CSK’s credentials for a fourth triumph. Hence, he is an option the Chennai think-tank could and should explore.

#2 Varun Chakravathi

Varun turned heads with his performances in the TNPL

If one would’ve thrown up Varun’s name a year back, many would’ve been forgiven for not knowing him altogether, let alone gather that he is a mystery spinner. However, a year in the TNPL has put him on the roadmap for several IPL teams.

Varun propelled himself to stardom with Madurai Panthers in the TNPL. Capable of mixing the leg cutters with off-cutters, the lad from Tamil Nadu has bamboozled batsmen.

Varun earned rave reviews for his superb performances, with his accuracy and wicket-taking ability earning him the majority of the plaudits.

Mystery spinners are a rare breed. With the batsmen looking to attack all the time, the ability to surprise the batsmen with variation is more important than ever.

The likes of Sunil Narine and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman have been successful before. Though expecting Varun to scale those peaks would be too premature, Chennai could have an ace up their sleeve in the form of a ‘mystery’ bowler.

Last season, the few games that Chennai ended up losing was because of their inability to pick wickets in the middle phases. Therefore, a mystery spinner could go a long way in addressing those concerns.

Chennai aren’t known to gamble on unknown Indian talents in the IPL. While Varun represents the most left-field of options, his unique skill-set could just make the gamble worthwhile.

All eyes now turn to the Chennai think-tank on the 18th of December.

#1 Varun Aaron

Aaron looks a man reborn

Varun Aaron has been around the Indian cricketing circuit for the better part of a decade. Having made his Test debut in 2011, he went on to play another 8 Test matches and a further 9 ODIs. However, with injuries plaguing him, he couldn’t realize his vast potential.

After another prolonged period on the sidelines, he made his much-awaited return at the start of this season and immediately took the domestic circuit by storm.

The pacer powered Jharkhand to the semi-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, impressing everyone with his sharpness and control. In addition, he has hit the ground running in the Ranji Trophy with five-wicket hauls against Rajasthan and Haryana.

The Aaron of old had serious issues with his control. Though he clocked the miles on the speed gun, he sprayed the ball too often to be perceived as a realistic threat. However, after his latest setback, he seems to have compromised a touch on his pace, rather focussing on hitting the right line and length. The new approach has paid rich dividends and could soon land him an IPL contract.

CSK lack an out and out Indian pace bowler. Though Thakur and Chahar are capable options, neither possesses the ‘X-Factor’ of Aaron. Moreover, the Jharkhand lad’s increased maturity and control would be something that would be highly valued at Chennai.

The prospect of Ngidi and Aaron, two pacers with searing pace, partnering each other would be an enticing one for the Men in Yellow. Hence, CSK should pull out all the stops to bring the latter on board and provide him the platform for redemption his talent warrants.