Deepak Chahar was expected to return from injury by the end of April. However, as per the latest reports by various outlets, the Chennai Super Kings player suffered a back injury that is set to delay his return. In fact, it is said that Chahar might be ruled out of IPL 2022. It will be a big blow for Chennai Super Kings since the team has had a terrible start to the campaign. On that note, in this article, we take a look at five players whom CSK can target as a replacement if Deepak Chahar is ruled out of IPL 2022.
1) Ishant Sharma
2019 was a fine year for Ishant Sharma in IPL. Not many expected him to do well but the veteran bowled 46 overs in that season. He took 13 wickets and was extremely useful for the Delhi Capitals in the powerplay.
Although his recent form is not great and he has not played a lot of T20 cricket, CSK can still think about signing Ishant Sharma. There are multiple reasons for the same. Firstly, CSK needs a player whose role is to bowl during the powerplay. The likes of Dwayne Bravo can take care of the responsibilities at the death. With Deepak Chahar ruled out, CSK lacks an experienced candidate in the powerplay. Hence, they can make use of the services of Ishant, who himself would be raring to do well
2) Dhawal Kulkarni
Dhawal Kulkarni is one of the players whom CSK can target as a replacement if Deepak Chahar is ruled out of IPL 2022. The Mumbai pacer is one of the underrated pacers in the league. In 92 games so far, he has collected 86 wickets at an economy of 8.3. This is pretty decent considering he bowls mostly in the powerplay.
The right-arm pacer can be dangerous when there is movement at the start of an innings. Hence, CSK can actually try out this option for the remainder of the tournament.
3) Sandeep Warrier
Despite playing for Team India last year in the T20 format, Sandeep Warrier did not find a bidder at the IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions. This was down mainly to his underwhelming show in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
That said, the Tamil Nadu pacer is known for his new-ball value and will be a decent pick for the franchise. Compared to the existing options, Sandeep possesses the experience and could do well with the likes of Adam Milne and Dwayne Bravo around him.
4) David Wiese
Chennai Super Kings currently has seven foreigners on their roster and hence, there is space for one more signing. One out-of-the-box signing they could make is that of veteran all-rounder David Wiese.
As seen in the 2021 T20 World Cup and the recent Pakistan Super League, David is a proper T20 cricketer. While he usually is destructive with the bat, he can also offer a few decent overs with his medium pace. CSK is actually struggling in both departments and hence, the Namibia cricketer might be a decent pick.
5) Blessing Muzarabani
The Zimbabwe pacer is currently in the Lucknow Super Giants camp. If CSK wants an immediate replacement, they could go for the player.
Just like Wiese, Blessing has also shown his T20 skills in recent months. He is a quick bowler and considering not many in IPL would have faced him, he can turn out to be a surprise factor. Therefore, this is also one choice that CSK can consider.