IPL 2018: 5 players who can replace Deepak Chahar for CSK's next few games

Chennai Super Kings' campaign received a jolt when Deepak Chahar pulled up with a hamstring issue in the game against Mumbai Indians. He has since been ruled out for a minimum of two weeks which means the CSK think tank need to turn to their bench for reinforcements.

With games coming in thick and fast, CSK need to make a decision, and quickly. On that note, here are five players who can replace the uncapped Chahar in the next few games for CSK:

#1 David Willey

David Willey remained unsold at the 2018 IPL auctions at his base price of 2 crores. However, he was roped in by CSK later on as a replacement for Kedar Jadhav. Willey has not yet gotten a game which is rather surprising considering CSK's bowling woes.

Willey has the ability to swing the new ball and also return at the death and deliver a few quick yorkers. He can also contribute quick runs lower down the order to swell the side's total.

Willey can be roped in in place of Chahar and slotted into the batting order ahead of the likes of Jadeja and Bravo. However, this would mean Sam Billings or Imran Tahir would have to be replaced - by either Narayan Jagadeesan or Karn Sharma.

#2 Karn Sharma

Karn Sharma

When young Indian spinner Karn Sharma was picked up for 5 crores at the auctions, most people would have thought that he would be a regular fixture in the CSK setup going forwards.

However, that hasn't been the case as Karn has made just 2 appearances for Dhoni's side this season, taking 3 wickets in the process.

Karn put in some stellar performances for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2017, scalping 13 wickets from 9 matches at an economy of just under 7 but was not retained by them.

Karn could form the perfect spin trio alongside Tahir and Harbhajan. Throw in Jadeja and you have a perfect quartet of spinners to exploit the slow, low pitches present in few of the IPL grounds.

#3 Kanishk Seth

Kanishk Seth

Not a lot is known about 20-year-old Kanishk Seth other than the fact that he represents Bengal in the domestic circuit.

Having been picked up for his base price of 20 lakhs at the auction, Kanishk has had to watch the action unfold from the sidelines thus far, but this could be the perfect opportunity for the CSK management to rope him in and have him experience the rigours of the IPL for the first time in his career.

Seth is a left-arm medium pacer and has picked up 18 wickets in 13 T20s in his career thus far.

#4 Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi has played just 10 matches for South Africa, but already seems to be an invaluable member of their side.

Ngidi was picked up by CSK in the auction at his base price of 50 lakhs but hasn't played a game yet. The tall pacer generates good bounce and carry and could be used well by CSK in the powerplay overs.

The 22-year-old, in just 3 T20Is for South Africa, has picked up 6 wickets at an economy rate of just 5.5, which is very impressive for an up-and-coming young bowler.

Like is the case with Willey, if Ngidi replaces Chahar, one of Billings or Tahir would have to make way.

#5 KM Asif

KM Asif

Another unknown commodity in the CSK ranks, Asif has played just 3 games in his career so far, representing Kerala. However, impressive performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament mean he is ready for the big step up to the IPL.

What makes Asif such an exciting prospect is the fact that he possesses raw pace, something not many Indian bowlers can boast of. Before the start of the tournament, Asif had stated that it was a blessing to bowl to Dhoni in the nets. Now he might be able to fulfil his dream of playing under the captaincy of the great man himself.

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