IPL 2019: 3 players who can replace Lungi Ngidi for CSK 

Lungi Ngidi impressed for CSK last season and his absence will be felt
Lungi Ngidi impressed for CSK last season and his absence will be felt

CSK have been dealt with a massive blow to their IPL preparations just a couple of days before the tournament. They will not have the services of South African speedster, Lungi Ngidi this season due to an injury.

In the 5th ODI against Sri Lanka, Ngidi wasn't feeling fit and stopped bowling. Scans revealed a Grade II muscle strain. His team manager said that he would need up to 4 weeks rest followed by a rehab program. He had picked up 11 wickets in 7 games last season and was the only bowler for the team who delivered the goods at the death.

CSK are yet to name a replacement for him. He was bought at the auction last season for his base price of ₹50 lakh. So, the replacement bought for him should have registered himself at a base price of ₹50 lakh or less. Here's a look at 3 possible replacements for the injured Ngidi.


#3 Glenn Phillips

Glenn Phillips celebrates his century
Glenn Phillips celebrates his century

Glenn Phillips' rise to stardom has been amazing. He was seen as a promising young talent before the start of CPL 2018, but after that made a name for himself as one of the most devastating openers in domestic T20 leagues.

He has been in fine form over the last 8-9 months and has given New Zealand's first-choice openers a run for their money. A top-order batsman, he can open the innings or come in at 3. He is a wicket-keeping batsman and is known for converting his starts into 50+ scores.

13 50+ scores in 58 innings for a 22-year old is an impressive stat and is an example of how much talent he possesses. He has scored 1612 runs in 58 innings at an average of 30.41 and has a healthy strike rate of 133.69. These stats are an indication of how dangerous he can be and CSK could rope him to replace Faf du Plessis who will leave due to World Cup commitments.

Sam Billings, who would have replaced du Plessis, was very inconsistent last season, and by hiring the youngster, they can surprise their opponents.

#2 Jamie Overton

Somerset v Essex Eagles - Vitality Blast
Somerset v Essex Eagles - Vitality Blast

Jamie Overton has risen up the ladder in England and is one of the rising stars. He has express pace, something that CSK won't have after Ngidi's injury. He can consistently bowl at speeds exceeding 145 kph and can light up the Indian Premier League with his talent. The 24-year-old is also a dangerous batsman lower down the order and has a terrific strike rate of 160 in T20s.

He has picked up 56 wickets in 43 innings in his career at an average of 24.44. He has a phenomenal strike rate of 15.6 as a bowler. He recently played 3 List A games for the England Lions team that toured India. He was particularly impressive as he picked up 6 wickets.

The uncapped gem could be a terrific catch for CSK as he is an unknown player, and not many of the IPL batsmen would have faced him.

#1 Doug Bracewell

New Zealand v India - ODI Game 2
New Zealand v India - ODI Game 2

The Kiwi player hails from a cricketing family and has cricket written all over him. The fast-bowling allrounder has shown he has talent on a frequent basis and has proved himself time and again in New Zealand's domestic circuit.

The 28-year old has been in good form and proved that with an outstanding performance against Sri Lanka in the one-off T20I. Doug Bracewell scored a quick-fire 44 and also picked up a wicket, proving his credentials with both, bat and ball. He has played a solitary game for the Delhi Capitals and scored 12 runs in nine balls. With the ball, he ended the game with figures of 3/32, showing he has talent.

He has a strike rate of 142.42 with the bat and has picked up 62 wickets in 55 innings at an average of 22.33. In addition, he has a terrific economy rate of 8.62. He is also good at the death overs, something that haunted CSK last season.

Being a New Zealander, he will be available for the entire tournament. Regardless of whether he is selected or not, this will be an advantage for CSK as they are set to lose a minimum of three players due to the World Cup.

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Edited by Aditya Joshi
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