IPL 2020: 3 players CSK could target in the auction

Kolkata will host the IPL 2020 auction on 19 December 2019, and each team would want to make the most of the event. Before the actual tournament begins, every team's management has to make far-sighted decisions on how to assemble the best possible squad.

Chennai Super Kings didn't make too many changes to their side during the previous auction. As the defending champions, they were happy to continue with the successful combination. However, the scenario has changed this year.

The yellow franchise lost the IPL 2019 final despite getting very close to the finish line. They would now feel they have to tinker with the combination a little in order to ensure that such a near-miss is not repeated again.

Although making substantial changes would not be a good idea, it is imperative to consider a few small ones. They have many match-winners already, so all they need is a few minor tweaks.

Judging by CSK's usual modus operandi, they would prefer accomplished individuals. Stephen Fleming once admitted that the team is more inclined towards winning trophies and rather than developing talent.

In that context, we could see them targeting a few high-profile players in the upcoming auction. Here are three possible players they could look at:

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#3 Ganesan Periyasamy

Ganesan Periyasamy won the Player of the Tournament in TNPL 2019

Ganesan Periyasamy wouldn't be easily recognizable for those who didn't watch TNPL 2019. However, those who followed the tournament would be well-aware of his skills, particularly his Malinga-like bowling action.

The Chepauk Super Gillies debutant was the leading wicket-taker of the 2019 season. With 21 wickets in nine innings at an impressive average of 10.48, Periyasamy proved that he is no ordinary talent.

His stunning stats, however, are not the only reason why CSK should focus on him.

Periyasamy's 5-wicket haul in the TNPL final helped his team defend a modest total. Such composure in a pressure situation, that too in his debut season, will definitely attract CSK's attention.

The franchise could release Mohit Sharma to accommodate Periyasamy. Although Mohit played only one match in the previous season, he leaked plenty of runs. Mohit's past two seasons with KXIP before joining CSK weren't exceptional either.

Therefore, CSK could free Mohit's ₹5-crore contract to obtain Periyasamy. As a Tamil Nadu player, the 25-year-old would naturally have the zest to perform well for his home-based franchise. The fans would also be willing to support the local talent.

Also see - Live cricket score

#2 Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell would be a good fit for Chennai's requirements in the upcoming campaign. The popular Australian all-rounder opted out of IPL participation in 2019 because of his World Cup preparations. But he will be back this time, so almost every franchise would be aiming to obtain his services.

It is going to be quite a challenge for CSK to acquire him, but they should give it their best shot. Maxwell is a brilliant finisher who could assist the aging captain, MS Dhoni, to end the innings in style. Maxi's well documented six-hitting abilities would mesh well with Dhoni's tactic of farming the strike.

Dhoni's co-finisher Kedar Jadhav didn't play well for CSK during the previous season. In 14 innings, the batting all-rounder scored just 162 runs. Besides, Jadhav's average of 18 and strike rate of 95.85 look terrible for a player with his job description. Therefore, the management could consider releasing Jadhav to free up a hefty sum of ₹7.8 crore.

For an overseas spot, the management could release Mitchell Santner too as they find it hard to use the left-arm spinner because of the formidable presence of Ravindra Jadeja. Maxwell is a more than handy off-spinner who could bridge the gap in the spin department as well.

#1 Jason Roy

Jason Roy with his family

Jason Roy is an extremely skillful batsman whom the Chennai team have got to consider in the auction. With 443 runs in 7 innings at an average of 63.2, the hard-hitter played a significant role in England's maiden World Cup triumph.

Just like Maxwell, Roy did not enter the auction pool last year. The 29-year-old was determined to do well at the World Cup, and his dedication yielded him tremendous success. CSK need such a responsible player to recapture the title in the upcoming season.

Roy is an explosive hitter who plays big shots with ease. As a fiery opening batsman, he would be a great assist to the aging Shane Watson.

After playing his heart and soul out in the IPL 2019 final, Watson might be retained for yet another year. However, it would not be possible for the old-timer to carry the heavy weight without facing fatigue issues.

Therefore the management could target Roy to minimize Watto's workload. The team already has an explosive England opener in Sam Billings, but for some reason, they hesitate to use him. Releasing Billings could free enough space to get Roy.