With the first leg of the IPL 2020 league games has come to an end with the RCB vs KKR game, it is time for some exciting mid-season transfers. The IPL 2020 mid-season transfer window will be open for five days from Tuesday (13th October) to Saturday (17th October). Both capped and uncapped players will be part of the process, unlike in IPL 2019 where only uncapped players were part of the process and that found no takers.
You can read more details and answers about the mid-season transfer here…
As the league stage reaches the midpoint of the Dream 11 IPL, all teams will be well aware of their strengths and weaknesses. While certain teams like Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals look formidable in all departments, other franchises such as Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings could do with some new faces to their dressing rooms.
Here are five players who will be great picks:
1.Ajinkya Rahane (CSK):
Chennai Super Kings have found themselves in a spot of bother this season. Having won only two games so far, they face the risk of being left outside the playoff spots for the first time in their rich history.
While their bowling has been relatively decent, it’s their middle order that has let them down. Due to Suresh Raina’s absence, the onus was on Kedar Jadhav to perform, but he hasn’t been able to justify his place in the team so far.
Ajinkya Rahane has been kept out of the playing 11 because of Delhi Capitals’ solid Indian top order. He has played only one game so far, due to an injury to Rishabh Pant. He would be the perfect player in CSK’s batting order.
He could either come opening or one down, followed by Rayudu and Dhoni. He has much experience and is a seasoned campaigner. As Rahane and CSK will be thirsty for runs and wins, respectively, it could be a match made in heaven.
2. Mohit Sharma (KXIP):
This is the second Delhi Capitals player on this list, which shows how stacked they are with quality options on the bench. Mohit Sharma played the first game for DC before being replaced by Avesh Khan.
As Harshal Patel seems to be their go-to option for the Indian pacer, Delhi Capitals might be content in letting Mohit Sharma join forces with his former team Kings XI Punjab who needs an Indian pacer.
Kings XI Punjab does not have any experienced Indian fast bowler barring Mohammed Shami. Although Arshdeep Singh has been impressive, they could do with a slightly more experienced bowler like Mohit Sharma.
Mohit Sharma has been an excellent T20 bowler over the years to change KXIP’s fortunes. Ishant Sharma’s injury could play a role in this move not going through, but that’s for the teams to decide.
3. Imran Tahir (KKR):
Kolkata Knight Riders are more than happy to leave a spinner of Kuldeep Yadav’s quality on the bench, so one must be wondering what they would do with Imran Tahir? Moreover, they already have Sunil Narine, which makes this selection even more questionable.
Sunil Narine was reported for his action during KKR’s win over KXIP. While this might not be the only reason for him to be benched against RCB, it is even logical to think that way. If Narine is caught again, he will be suspended for the season.
It is well documented that KKR has lost faith in Kuldeep Yadav. As the pitches get slower, spinners will have a more prominent role to play, and that’s where Imran Tahir comes in. He hasn’t bowled a single delivery for CSK so far.
While Chris Green is available, KKR will be smart enough to go for Imran Tahir as he is one of the best spinners in world cricket. It would be foolish for a team to ignore Imran Tahir’s availability, especially if they need an overseas spinner.
4. Parthiv Patel (RR):
Rajasthan Royals can consider themselves extremely lucky to come till the midway mark with 6 points on the table. They have won a few matches where they could have easily lost, thanks to Rahul Tewatia.
While there are many places, they need to bolster, finding an opening batsman is imperative. They have tried Yashasvi Jaiswal, Steve Smith, and even Ben Stokes, but neither of them has been able to form an excellent partnership with Buttler.
Parthiv Patel is renowned for being able to clear the 30-yard circle during the powerplay overs. If he could score 20-40 runs each match, it would give RR an excellent platform for Smith, Samson, and Stokes to take off.
In a top-order filled with right-handed batsmen, his left-handedness would also cause concern for the opposition bowlers. He hasn’t played a match this season, which makes him available.
5. Krishnappa Gowtham (SRH):
Sunrisers Hyderabad has built a team that has a stable top order and an above-average bowling setup (even without Bhuvneshwar Kumar). But their middle-order has been an everlasting issue.
They have tried out many youngsters like Priyam Garg, Abdul Samad, and Abhishek Sharma, but they’ve been inconsistent. Vijay Shankar, India’s go-to all-rounder in Hardik Pandya’s absence, has also disappointed VVS Laxman this season.
Krishnappa Gowtham has only played two games for KXIP this season, but he is their 5th highest run-getter. He has much experience for his state Karnataka and is a type of a street-smart cricketer.
He will score some quickfire runs for them and compliment Rashid Khan well with his off-spin bowling. As the pitches are set to become slower, a quality spin bowler who can bat might be precisely what the Orange army needs.
