5 Mid-Season transfers we all want to happen in IPL 2020

The Indian Premier League – IPL is an outstanding platform for budding cricketers and experts to showcase their skills in the shortest format of the game. The teams have a favourable environment where uncapped players can learn how to furnish their skills from some of the best international players in the world.

This season, the BCCI has adopted a “football-style” mid-season transfer process. The following are the rules– 1. The player should not have played more than two matches when the transfer is taking place. 2. The transfer will only be applicable at the half-way mark in the league stage when the franchises have played 7 games each.

All the players who haven’t played more than two games are eligible for transfers. This can be an excellent opportunity for these talented players to get a chance to prove themselves. At the same time, it could also solve the team’s problems in specific domains.

Here are 5 Mid-Season transfers we all want to happen in IPL 2020:

1. Chris Gayle to Royal Challengers Bangalore

Chris Gayle is the best batsman in the history of the shortest format. He has played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League. With 4484 runs in 124 innings at an average of 41.14 and a strike rate of 151.03, there remains no doubt about the fact that he’s the best batsman ever in the IPL.

Gayle had two good seasons with the Kings XI Punjab, even when he was beyond his prime. He scored 368 runs in 11 matches in 2018 and 490 runs in 13 matches in 2019 at a healthy average and strike-rate. However, it was disappointing to not see him start this season for the Kings XI. Even after Kings XI kept losing games, Gayle didn’t get a single chance.

Kings XI Punjab are not likely to leave Gayle, considering he was out of the last few games as a result of a stomach problem. It would have been a treat for RCB fans to get the ‘Universe Boss’ back in their franchise for possibly his last season in the league. He could have been a reserve opener for Aaron Finch, who hasn’t looked in the best touch till now.

2. Parthiv Patel to Delhi Capitals

Veteran keeper Parthiv Patel has been among the top Indian wicket-keeper batsmen in the Indian Premier League. Patel has scored 2848 runs in 137 innings at an average of 22.60 and a strike-rate of 120.78. He is also extremely effective behind the stumps.

Parthiv was a crucial RCB player last season. However, he has not played a single game this time around. AB de Villiers has taken the gloves, which has ended up solving a lot of problems for them. They are not likely to change that combination now. 

Patel’s inclusion could mean that Delhi could accommodate Shimron Hetmyer once again in the playing XI till the return of Rishabh Pant. He also gives the option of an opening batsman, who can make the use of the Powerplay effectively. 

3. Chris Lynn to Chennai Super Kings

Aussie opener Chris Lynn was purchased by Mumbai Indians in this year’s auction at the base price of 2 crore. He was released by Kolkata Knight Riders last season ahead of the auctions. Lynn has 1280 runs in 41 innings at an average of 33.68 and a strike-rate of 140.66.

Chennai Super Kings have genuinely struggled with their batting this season. Although they have two world-class batsmen in du Plessis and Watson opening for them, their intent hasn’t been that good. CSK have not been up to the mark in the Powerplay overs, which often ends up creating pressure on the middle order. 

Mumbai Indians didn’t give Lynn a single game till now and are not likely to tinker around the winning combination. Lynn could be an asset for CSK, as he can give them quick starts in the Powerplay. He can either open with Watson or directly replace him. 

4. Mitchell Santner to Kings XI Punjab

New Zealand all-rounder Kings XI Punjab is currently with the Chennai Super Kings. He played 4 games for CSK last year, taking 4 wickets and scoring 34 runs in 2 innings. He is a left-arm spinner and left-handed batsman.

Santner hasn’t played a single game yet for the Chennai Super Kings. MS Dhoni is known to back his players, even if they’re not performing at their best. So there is a high probability that he won’t get a game, with the likes of Imran Tahir also waiting in the wings. 

Kings XI Punjab need an all-rounder who can give them the left-arm spin option, plus bat lower down the order as well. A combination of Gayle, Pooran, Santner, and Mujeeb could prove to be an inspired change for the struggling Punjab side. 

5. Ajinkya Rahane to Rajasthan Royals

Mumbai batsman Ajinkya Rahane has been one of the top run-scorers of the Indian Premier League. He has 3835 runs in 133 innings at an average of 32.78, and a strike-rate of 121.82. He has played for Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, Rising Pune Supergiant, and is currently with the Delhi Capitals.

Rahane has played just one match in this season of the Indian Premier League, scoring 15 runs against Mumbai. He has never scored less than 30o runs in any season since 2012. He also scored runs at a quicker rate last year- scoring approximately 400 runs at a strike rate of close to 138.

Delhi Capitals have made it clear that Rahane is an important asset for them. The injury of Pant also means that this transfer is also not likely to happen. However, Rajasthan Royals are desperate for a solid Indian batsman at the top of the order. Uthappa is clearly out of form, and Samson hasn’t done well ever since the first 2 games in Sharjah. The return of Rahane would have provided a lot more stability to their squad.