IPL Auction 2020: One player each team should have retained
The preparations for IPL 2020 are going on in full swing as the teams have announced the list of retained players and those who will head back to the auction pool. The trade window closed on November 15 and it witnessed a lot of action with big names like Ajinkya Rahane, R Ashwin and Trent Boult changing camps.
With a lot of big names released and many set to join them in the auction pool, IPL 2020 Auction is set to be a huge affair. But even before the auction, teams must look at the names they could target to fill the void left by released players.
While most of the players released had underperformed or didn't fit in, few players shouldn't have been released.
On that note, let's take a look at one player from each team who shouldn't have been released.
Also see - IND vs WI schedule 2019
Chennai Super Kings- David Willey
Chennai Super Kings head into the auction with a decent purse and very few spots to be filled. They released three overseas players, Sam Billings, Scott Kuggeleijn and David Willey. CSK had good reason to release Billings and Kuggeleijn; Billings didn't have a place in the side and Kuggeleijn was just a replacement for Lungi Ngidi. But David Willey didn't have anything against him and should have been retained.
Willey played just three games for the Super Kings, all in 2018. He picked up just 2 wickets and was used sparingly by MS Dhoni. But outside of the IPL, Willey's stats in T20s are brilliant. Willey is a good opening bowler and a powerful batsman who even has a T20 hundred to his name. He has been a key part of the national T20I side and possesses enormous T20 experience from playing in leagues all around the world.
Yes, he missed IPL 2019 due to the birth of his child. But that doesn't mean he should be released, especially since CSK need an all-rounder like Willey in their side.
CSK don't have a proper all-rounder as DJ Bravo has lost his flair with the bat and isn't doing so well with the ball as well. In fact, the big shots have been missing from the No 6 and No 7 batsmen in the team. It was one of the major issues for CSK last season.
Also, CSK don't have a single left-arm seamer in their side and Willey, who is excellent in the powerplay, could've been a great partner for Deepak Chahar.
With many other ageing players in the side not being released, it makes no sense to release a proven T20 performer.