IPL Auction 2020: 3 players CSK should try to sign in the trade window

The preparations for IPL 2020 have well and truly begin and after a rather quiet start to the trade window period, the action is slowly getting a lot more exciting ahead of the deadline on November 14. The Kings XI Punjab traded skipper R Ashwin to the Delhi Capitals in return for J Suchith and a sum of ₹1.5 Crore, in what was the most recent development as part of the trade window.

With just five days to go before the deadline ends, transfers propositions which were put on hold might be tried out and teams may enter into negotiations. While only three teams (Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab) have been active during the trade window, expect the other teams to try their hand at signing a few players before the final day.

In the last season, the Chennai Super Kings shed off all the criticism surrounding their team selection to go all the way till the summit clash, but were unable to cross the final hurdle. With a new season approaching, CSK would want to add some more firepower to their side.

On that note, let's take a look at three players who the three-time champions could try to sign from the trade window.

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#3 Evin Lewis

Evin Lewis

One of the biggest talking points of CSK's campaign last season was the inability of the openers to provide good starts. While Shane Watson did manage to come good in the final, he was a shadow of his former self throughout the season. Faf Du Plessis did slightly better with 396 runs from 12 matches, but his relatively low strike-rate of 123.36 doesn't bode well for an opener.

What CSK need is an opening pair similar to that of Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum, an aggressive partnership that can give them a powerful start at the top of the order. One man who fits the bill and can form one half of an exciting alliance at the top is West Indian southpaw, Evin Lewis.

Openers are going to be hot property at the auction and certainly, CSK can do themselves a favour by signing someone like Lewis ahead of his possible release into the auction pool. Lewis did not get too many opportunities at MI last season, and with the likes of Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma himself capable openers, Lewis might not be a part of MI's plans for IPL 2020.

Lewis scored 265 runs for the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in CPL 2019 at a brilliant strike-rate of 149.71 and could be a vital contributor to CSK's plans of clinching their fourth IPL title.

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#2 Siddarth Kaul

Siddharth Kaul

Death bowling is one of the most important aspects in T20 cricket and CSK struggled to control their opponents' run-rate during the death overs last season. DJ Bravo, who has been CSK's primary death bowler since he joined the team had a rather dour season by his standards and could pick up just 10 wickets from 11 matches.

Shardul Thakur had a pretty poor season with the ball in hand and leaked runs at an economy rate of 9.36. Given Bravo's mediocre show with the ball and CSK in need of a good death bowler, Siddharth Kaul could be a good fit.

The 29-year old has experience playing for the national side and knows what it takes to shine in crunch situations. Although one might argue that Kaul had a rather average season with SRH, he could be handed a massive role under MS Dhoni, who is known to bring the best out of his players.

#1 David Miller (Kings XI Punjab)

Miller can demolish bowling attacks on his own.

CSK missed an aggressor in their side last season, someone who could bat the team out of an impossible situation and lead them to victory with some big-hitting.

Sadly, despite the likes of MS Dhoni, DJ Bravo and Ambati Rayudu in the side, CSK weren't able to make a comeback when under pressure and crumbled under tight situations, especially when chasing. With Dhoni's striking prowess declining and Bravo's ability with the bat being criticised in recent times, the addition of David Miller to the lower order could prove to be a game-changer.

Miller had a sub-par season with KXIP last season, scoring 213 runs from 10 matches at a strike-rate of close to 130, and has seen a decline in his performances over the years. However, the Proteas batsman is a batting powerhouse and can thrive at CSK. His stats in T20 cricket are amazing and he has amassed a wealth of experience which will no doubt be of utmost importance.

While one might argue that Faf du Plessis and David Willey could also chip in with some useful knocks, they don't come close to producing what Miller can, which makes him a vital asset in T20 cricket.

KXIP releasing Ravichandran Ashwin is a clear statement that they want to start off fresh once more and offloading Miller might not come as a surprise. Hence, CSK must address the impending issue and try to get David Miller into their squad.