David Miller To CSK, Chris Gayle To KKR - 5 Mid-Season Transfers Which Could Turn Things Around For IPL Teams

Indian Premier League is all set to enter its business phase. All the teams have played at least five game so far with some even playing six. All eyes are now on the mid-season transfer which will give the teams the opportunity to bolster their lineups and turn things around.

Unlike the previous season, the IPL has permitted loans of capped players too – Indian or overseas – between teams at the halfway point in the ongoing season. At this stage, some big names have failed to get a chance in the playing eleven of their respective teams and would be available for mid-season transfer.

Through this article, we are taking a look at five big names who can turn things around for other teams in IPL 2020:

5. Nathan Coulter-Nile – Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Nathan Coulter-Nile missed the initial phase of IPL 2020 due to a side strain and in his absence, the likes of James Pattinson and Trent Boult have done really well. In such a scenario, it is tough for the Australian to break into the playing eleven as he has warmed the bench so far.

Well, one team that can fancy securing his services for the remainder of the competition is Royal Challengers Bangalore. Fast-bowling especially in death is once again turning out to be a weakness for RCB. The likes of Navdeep Saini, Mohammad Siraj and Umesh Yadav have been inconsistent so far and a player of Coulter-Nile’s calibre will definitely provide the much-needed solidity to the bowling lineup.

4. Ajinkya Rahane – Rajasthan Royals:

A player of Ajinkya Rahane’s stature is just too good to warm the bench. But such is the strength in the Delhi Capitals camp that their team-management has no option but to keep the India star out of the playing eleven so far. Delhi Capitals have played five games so far and Rahane is yet to play any game.

With the likes of Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Marcus Stoinis doing well, it is tough to see the right-handed batsman getting a chance any time soon. Well, Delhi Capitals might not need his services right now but his former team Rajasthan Royals could certainly do.

The Royals are struggling to get a reliable opening pair at the moment. Steve Smith started the tournament as an opener and did well before losing form. Young Yashasvi Jaiswal has not looked impressive either. In such a scenario, Rahane opening the batting with Jos Buttler won’t be a bad decision at all.

3. Imran Tahir – Kings XI Punjab:

With the CSK squad filled with quality Indian spinners, Imran Tahir has warmed the bench in IPL 2020 so far. The likes of Piyush Chawla, Ravindra Jadeja and most recently Karn Sharma have been preferred so far and are likely to be the lead spinners in the coming days.

Well, Kings XI Punjab can try to rope in the experienced spinner given that their bowling has struggled so far. KXIP definitely need an experienced spinner in their ranks who can turn things around in the middle overs and Tahir looks like the perfect man for that job.

2. Chris Gayle -> Kolkata Knight Riders:

The most decorated player in the history of T20 cricket, Chris Gayle is yet to get a chance in the ongoing season. With KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal going really strong at the top, Kings XI Punjab are unlikely to give the West Indian a chance to open the innings any time soon.

In such a case, Kolkata Knight Riders should fancy making a move for Gayle who represented the Kolkata-based franchise from 2008 to 2010. With Sunil Narine failing miserably so far and Shubman Gill not being able to provide the quick starts either, KKR can certainly boost their batting lineup by roping in Gayle.

1. David Miller – Chennai Super Kings:

David Miller has just played one game for Rajasthan Royals so far and it was a forgettable outing for the South Africa. Making his debut for the inaugural winners of IPL, the southpaw was out for a duck and has not been included in the playing eleven since then.

With Ben Stokes also arriving in UAE earlier this week, Miller’s chances of regaining his spot in the playing eleven are perhaps as good as over. In such a scenario, CSK have the opportunity to loan him for the remainder of the season. The three-time champions’ middle-order is looking like their weakest link with the likes of MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav completely out of form.

Miller, who is definitely one of the fiercest hitters in white-ball cricket at present, could provide the much-needed solidity to the team. Having played 320 T20s, he has scored 6,900 runs with the help of 3 tons and 31 fifties. The Proteas star also holds the record for the fastest century in T20 Internationals.