IPL 2022 Auction: 3 international seamers Chennai Super Kings can target
Defending champions Chennai Super Kings enter the IPL 2022 Auction with ₹48 crores in their wallet. The team has retained Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali and MS Dhoni.
They will have to rebuild their bowling arsenal and hence it is safe to assume that they will bag some expensive bowlers at the 2022 Mega Auction. The likes of Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood and Dwayne Bravo will need replacing.
The two big misses will be Bravo and Sam Curran. Both players were released in favor of Moeen Ali and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Curran played nine games for the side and picked up nine wickets while also scoring 56 runs. Bravo fared relatively better in the wickets column, bagging 14 scalps. His returns with the bat (47) were quite measly.
Ahead of the all-important auction, we take a look at three international pacers the side can acquire.
#1 Lungi Ngidi can be CSK's frontline seamer if picked during the IPL 2022 Auction
Generally, a side that doesn't go hammer and tongs when it comes to marquee names, CSK might make an exception for Lungi Ngidi. The Proteas quick is a major threat in the shorter format and was part of the CSK squad last season.
Ngidi has played 14 games in total in the IPL, picking up 25 wickets overall. He has the potential to have a breakout season this year in the tournament. Adding to this is the fact that he had a successful run with the bat against India last month.
Ngidi's pace makes him a robust addition to any side and Chennai will be keen to give him an extended run this time around. Should they bag him for less than ₹6 crores, they will have found themselves a potential gamechanger for an absolute steal.
#2 Trent Boult
To start with, Trent Boult is an incredibly fit and reliable seamer. He can swing the ball both ways and get the better of some of the world's best batters.
He has 76 wickets in the IPL from 67 matches and he averages 26.09 with the ball. Although Mumbai will be keen to buy him back into the IPL 2022 Auction, CSK can give them a run for their money and acquire the Kiwi.
As a left-arm seamer, he comes in with ample experience in the tournament and can also serve as the perfect replacement for Curran.
#3 Kagiso Rabada
The Proteas seamer was a vital cog in the Delhi Capitals bowling unit last season.
However, the released him ahead of the IPL 2022 Auction. DC chose to retain Anrich Nortje for the IPL 2022 season.
Rabada has 76 wickets to show from 50 IPL games at an average of 20.53 and an economy rate of 8.21. His ability to bowl tight overs at the start and at the death makes him a must-add seamer for Chennai's bowling attack during the IPL 2022 Auction. He could also be a suitable replacement for Lungi Ngidi, who was part of the CSK squad last season.