IPL Auction 2020: 3 overseas batsmen Chennai Super Kings should target

Chennai Super Kings released six players before the Indian Premier League auction 2020. However, it doesn’t seem to have caused a great impact on their strategies going forward in IPL 2020. The franchise led by MS Dhoni will focus on a couple of things in order to plug-in the loopholes in their squad from the last season.

One of them being the need to have more T20 batsman who can cause havoc with their attacking stroke play. CSK didn’t have the greatest strikers in IPL 2019 with most of their batters having a torrid time at the crease. It was an over-reliance on a couple of players in their squad that eventually was their undoing in last season's IPL final against the Mumbai Indians.

With a new season in prospect, CSK would wish to rope in a few overseas hitters who can provide much-needed strength to their batting order. The ‘Yellow Army’ will hope to get their aces right and add more firepower to the already retained set of players in the auction.

Here’s a look at three overseas batsmen CSK should target in the upcoming IPL auction.

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#3 Eoin Morgan

Eoin Morgan.

After going unsold in the mega IPL auction in 2018 and missing the lucrative league in 2019, Eoin Morgan will hope to get a bid this time when the hammer comes down for 2020. The World Cup-winning English skipper last played in IPL 2017 for the Kings XI Punjab, as a reliable overseas middle-order batsman.

Morgan, who didn’t have a great time in his last IPL outing, will arrive at the IPL 2020 as a more adept T20 batsman than before. The left-hander is known to have capabilities to tonk the ball a fair distance. His ability to judge the pace of the game and accordingly control his instincts help him to be known as one of the best T20 batsmen in the world.

In the upcoming IPL auction, the 33-year old might receive a bid from Chennai Super Kings, who need a experienced overseas middle-order batsman who can control the game and even attack the bowlers when required. Morgan brings a lot to the table and CSK should try and add him to the franchise for IPL 2020.

#2 Chris Lynn

Chris Lynn

A T20 specialist of sorts, Chris Lynn's six-year long association with Kolkata Knight Riders ended as the franchise released the explosive opener ahead of the IPL auction 2020. The Australian cricketer, who is known to cause destruction as an opener, is a potent option for any T20 side in the world.

He has displayed his effectiveness as a T20 campaigner even for KKR in the years gone by at the IPL. Being a powerful striker of the ball, he possesses the ability to demolish bowling attacks on his day.

After his unexpected release by KKR, it might interest other franchises to bid for Lynn in the auction next month.

Chennai Super Kings can target the Aussie cricketer, especially as their first-choice opener next year. CSK struggled with their opening slot and Lynn could be the perfect solution to their opening woes. He will be a valuable addition given he can terrorise oppositions with his early onslaught in the first six overs itself, something CSK lacked in IPL 2019.

#1 Tom Banton

Tom Banton

The 21-year old youngster from the English shores, Tom Banton has been much impressive with his unorthodox batting, especially in T20s. With a splendid exhibition of his skills in the T20 Blast for Somerset, Banton has already set the bar high and is being touted as the next big thing in England cricket by many.

Recently, in the T20I series against New Zealand, he was handed his debut for the Three Lions. Though he didn’t fare that well, even his short stay at the crease forced cricket pundits to highly rate the individual as one of the future stars in the country.

He has already begun to catch the eye of many around the globe. The IPL auction 2020 could provide the right launchpad for him to get fast-tracked as a permanent member in the English limited-overs side.

CSK should definitely have Banton in their plans for the auction. Though he will be a rookie as far as Indian batting conditions are concerned, the franchise is known to surprise most at the auction table. In a team of some experienced players, Banton could embrace the opportunity to learn if he’s bought by the franchise.