Sam Curran is one of the best all-rounders in T20 cricket right now. He made his IPL debut for the Punjab Kings. However, the Mohali-based franchise released him before the 2020 season. The Chennai Super Kings signed him at IPL 2020 Auction. Curran has been a part of CSK since then.
Many fans would know IPL 2021 will resume in September-October. However, Sam Curran might not play. ECB has clarified that their players are expected to prefer international cricket over leagues. Hence, Curran may not play. Here are five possible players CSK could sign as replacements for him.
1. James Faulkner might be a good choice as a replacement for Sam Curran
James Faulkner is a former RR all-rounder. He has also played for Pune Warriors, Gujarat and Punjab. However, his best performances came for the Royals. Faulkner is a medium-pace bowling all-rounder. The Aussie player can also contribute in the batting department.
Faulkner is currently in the UAE. He is a part of the Lahore Qalandars team in PSL 2021. So far, in three games, he has taken eight wickets for the team. Since he is doing so well in the UAE, CSK might consider him as a replacement option. Like Sam Curran, Faulkner bowls left-arm pace.
2. Morne Morkel
Morne Morkel is a former South African pacer. He has settled in Australia now. Recently, he participated in the BBL as a local player. Morkel is a former IPL Purple Cap winner. The right-arm fast bowler has played much cricket in the UAE.
Although he has retired from international cricket, he could be a great backup option for CSK. MS Dhoni has the option of Jason Behrendorff available in the squad. Like Sam Curran, Behrendorff can bowl left-arm pace for his team. So, CSK can also look for an experienced right-arm pacer. Morkel, who has taken 213 T20 wickets in his career, can be a decent pick.
3. Sheldon Cottrell
Sheldon Cottrell made his IPL debut last year. He was a member of the Punjab Kings team. Although Cottrell performed decently, he lost his place in the squad. Surprisingly, he went unsold in the IPL Auction. Hence, he is still available to be picked as a replacement.
Cottrell could join CSK as a replacement for Sam Curran. The left-arm fast bowler will be in action in CPL. Also, he will play some T20Is for West Indies. So, CSK can monitor his performances. If he performs well, they can offer him a contract.
4. Colin Munro could be a surprising choice as a replacement for Sam Curran
CSK can pull off a surprise also here. In the past, we have seen teams signing batsmen as a replacement for bowlers. In 2011, RCB signed Gayle as a replacement for Dirk Nannes. Gayle changed the game for RCB. The same way, CSK could look for a batting all-rounder as a replacement for a bowling all-rounder.
New Zealand’s Colin Munro is in Abu Dhabi at the moment. He is playing in PSL. Munro scored 90 runs off 36 deliveries in a recent game against Quetta Gladiators. His inning highlights that he is in great form. CSK could potentially sign him a back-up for Moeen Ali or Faf du Plessis also.
5. Mitchell McClenaghan
Mitchell McClenaghan played many seasons for MI. He was one of their top performers. The Kiwi speedster took wickets consistently. However, his economy was high on a few occasions. But McClenaghan proved himself as a game-changer.
It was surprising to see him go unsold in IPL Auction. However, CSK can give him one more chance. McClenaghan is a specialist left-arm fast bowler, and he can also hit the ball out of the boundary. Since he has taken 241 T20 wickets, CSK might consider him. At the end of the day, he has played many games in the UAE and also won many competitions. Thus, these five players could replace Sam Curran in case he is unavailable.
