IPL Auction 2020: 3 overseas bowlers CSK might target in the auction

Chennai Super Kings will once again go into IPL 2020 as one of the favourites to lift the trophy in the 13th edition of the tournament. Despite being counted as one of the teams that lacked T20 firepower in their armoury, CSK have managed to play two consecutive Finals after their re-admission in 2018.

However, before the tournament next year, CSK would like to plug-in certain loopholes in their squad at the IPL auction in Kolkata. The franchise would want to prepare a side that can compete to live up to its rich IPL history. Chennai might be concerned about their recruits in the bowling department, especially the lack of experience among the fast bowlers.

Also see – Ranji trophy points table

In Lungi Ngidi, Chennai have a solitary overseas pacer in their ranks alongside some of their young and impressive Indian bowlers. They might focus on roping in a few overseas pacers to enhance their chances in IPL 2020. Here we take a look at 3 overseas bowlers who might interest CSK in the upcoming auctions.

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#3 Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins might be in great demand in IPL auction 2020

The Australian speedster, Pat Cummins, is one of the most sought-after fast bowlers in the cricketing world. The No.1 ranked Test bowler in the world, Cummins has had an amazing 2019, racking up most wickets in international cricket with the red ball.

His brilliance in the longest format has also had an impact on his recent white-ball performances. Cummins has been a regular feature for Aussies both in T20Is and ODIs line-up. His accuracy and ability to bowl the short ball, after every spell, even in the toughest of circumstances makes him a very likeable exponent of fast bowling.

After missing IPL in 2019, Cummins will be on most of the franchises' radar at the IPL auction. The 26-year old quick offers a lot with the ball with his innate ability to bowl at the death and even with the new ball.

CSK might want someone of his calibre to add more value to their setup. Cummins' experience of bowling on lifeless pitches in the Indian summer might help CSK go far in IPL 2020.

#2 Sheldon Cottrell

Sheldon Cottrell's epic celebration might be a regular feature in IPL 2020

The left-arm medium-pacer from West Indies, Sheldon Cottrell has been able to carve out an image for himself with his super show in the ICC World Cup. Cottrell was the leading wicket-taker for the Caribbean team in the prestigious tournament. He finished with 12 wickets in 9 matches and looked, by far, the most threatening pacer throughout their outing in World Cup.

Since then, Cottrell has played a couple of T20 leagues and has been able to perform consistently with his economical spells of bowling. In the upcoming IPL auction, the 30-year old might well attract his maiden contract in the cash-rich league.

Cottrell might obtain a bid from the likes of Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, who might search for an overseas fast bowler at the auction. He comes with an impressive T20 profile. He has the ability to cut the pace on the ball and bowl according to the situation. In 80 matches, the left-arm seamer has taken 114 wickets at an impressive economy of 7.45.

His acquisition by CSK might well be on the cards for his special ability to vary his pace and bowl cutters, which might prove more than effective on slow Chennai pitches.

#1 Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn might join the Dad's army in IPL 2020

The South African legend, Dale Steyn made a comeback to the IPL scene in 2019 after a gap of two years. He was roped in as a replacement for the injured Nathan Coulter Nile by the Royal Challengers Bangalore mid-way through the tournament. However, Steyn could only play two games before he injured his shoulder to draw curtains over his stint for RCB last season.

He was impressive in his two outings while his raw pace was still enough to cause trouble to any batsman. Currently, he's representing Cape Town Blitz in the Mzansi Super League in South Africa. Being the leader of the attack for his franchise, Steyn has so far taken 8 wickets in just five matches. He is the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament and has played a pivotal role in his team's three wins in the league so far.

In the upcoming edition, if Steyn can build upon his performances and continue the good form, he will well draw interests on the IPL auction table next month. Chennai might aim to avail of his services as one of their most experienced fast bowlers in the camp.