With all the team having played seven matches each so far in this IPL season, the BCCI will soon announce the dates for the mid-season transfer. This was an innovative idea that the BCCI came up with last season. However, none of the teams opted to use this as all the franchisees were happy with the players that they had.
However, with many teams struggling to perform to their best in this IPL season, it seems that the mid-season transfer will be an important event this time around. The mid-season transfer will allow franchisees to release the players who are surplus to the requirements of the team while allowing them to add players whom they think will bolster the side in different facets of their performance.
What is Mid-Season Transfer?
BCCI has introduced an innovative idea of the mid-season transfer last season when they allowed franchises to internally trade uncapped players. However, no team used their right. This season the apex body has expanded and the capped player will also be a part of mid-season transfers.
Players who have played less than two matches for their current franchise are eligible for mid-season transfer. At this crucial phase of the tournament, there have been a few good players who have been benched by their current franchisee in this year’s IPL.
Here are the five players to watch out for in IPL 2020 Mid-Season Transfer:
1. Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane is one of the veterans of IPL cricket. He was roped in by Delhi Capitals from Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2020 auction. However, the right-handed batsman has only played one game for the side so far in this tournament. Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw have been commendable for Delhi opening the batting so far in the tournament, which is why Rahane has found it tough to make it to the playing XI.
He has scored 2810 runs for Rajasthan Royals in IPL. which includes a century. Overall, Rahane is closing in on 4000 IPL runs. According to reports, both CSK and SRH are interested in buying him in the transfer to bolster their middle-order which has been fragile for both teams.
Also Read: SRH or CSK Should Buy Rahane- Harsha Bhogle
2. Chris Lynn
Mumbai Indians roped in Lynn at the IPL 2020 auction after KKR released him prior to that. However, Mumbai have not used the services of the hard-hitting Australian opener so far in the season. It will be interesting to see if any franchise will buy him in the transfer window.
Kolkata Knight Riders themselves have a case to buy him back with Sunil Narine not performing at the top and his participation in the next game for Kolkata Knight Riders under jeopardy with his suspect bowling action.
Also Read: Watch – Banter Between Chris Lynn and Jasprit Bumrah
3. Imran Tahir
Tahir was the highest wicket-taker in IPL 2019 with 26 wickets to his name for CSK. However, the franchise has benched the veteran spinner in the first half of the season. Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming said that Tahir has not fitted in the scheme of things so far for the side.
With teams like Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals missing a renowned spinner in their bowling attack, the franchisees might be interested in roping in the services of the 40-year-old.
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4. Mitchell McClenaghan
The Kiwi pacer first played for Mumbai in IPL 2015. Since then he has been a part of three IPL titles with the squad. However, since the last season, the Kiwi-pacer has not been a regular member of the side.
With various teams lacking a potent option in their bowling attack, Mitchell McClenaghan might be just the right person to fill in the spot with the vast experience he brings to the table.
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5. Tom Banton
The 21-year old England batsman is touted as their next big superstar in T20 cricket. He has done well recently in T20 cricket after joining the squad. He made his debut for Kolkata Knight Riders in their last match against RCB. He scores at a strike rate of nearly 150 in international cricket.
Having played just one game in the first half of the tournament, Tom Banton is also up for a switch in the mid-season transfer.
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