IPL 2023: 3 Players Who Can Play the Role of Kyle Jamison In CSK Squad

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a big blow ahead of the start of the IPL 2023 when their overseas recruit Kyle Jamieson was deemed unfit to take part in the 16th edition of the lucrative Indian Premier League. On the eve of New Zealand’s Test series at home against England, it was informed that Jamieson has been ruled out of the two-match series due to a suspected back stress fracture. A player suffering from a back injury generally takes a long time to recover. This news must hamper CSK’s combinations as Jamieson was their first choice pick. He could’ve been quite useful in Chennai’s home ground and in other venues like Kolkata, Mohali, and Hyderabad.

Jamieson was first signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for INR 15 crore for IPL 2021 season. The tall lanky pacer couldn’t justify his price tag as he played only nine matches and picked up as many wickets. Overall, the 28-year-old has an impressive T20 record, having claimed 65 wickets in 56 matches at a strike rate of 18.1. The right-handed batter is also a handy hitter down the order with the willow, who can chip in with some cameos. 

CSK’s decision to secure Jamieson’s services as their second and last overseas player in the IPL 2023 auction, indicates that the Black Caps player was in their plans as they look to claim their fifth IPL title. MS Dhoni and Co. will miss Jamieson big time. But having said that they still have plenty of gold options in the squad who can play the role of Jamieson. Let’s have a look at three such players: 

3 Players Who Can Play the Role of Kyle Jamison In CSK Squad in IPL 2023

3) Rajvardhan Hangargekar

One of the upcoming stars of Indian cricket, Rajvardhan Hangargekar will be representing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2023. He was bought by CSK for INR 1.50 crore at the IPL 2022 mega-auction after seeing his performance on the U19 World Cup stage. CSK purchased him at a higher price but he did not get a chance to showcase his talent. The management tried many youngsters at the end of the IPL 2022, but Hangargekar was not among those players. Heading into IPL 2023, Hangargekar would love to make a mark if given a game.

At 20, Hangargekar is young and hungry and is capable of striking them big. A new ball-bowler, Hangargekar can also make contributions with the bat and will be a vital addition to the Yellow Army. The mentorship of skipper Dhoni in CSK would definitely help the youngster gain some valuable experience. And thus, prove his mettle and skills.

2) Sisanda Magala

The South African seamer was roped in by CSK management as Jamieson’s replacement in the CSK squad. It has been seen in the past that if CSK invests in some player then that player performs exceptionally well under the leadership of MS Dhoni who knows how to use his resources to great effect. The fast bowler has also done well in his recent domestic assignments. Magala picked up 14 wickets in 11 innings at an average of 24 and an economy rate of 8.68 in the inaugural SA20 league.

Like Jamieson, Magala can move the new ball both ways and is skiddy which makes it difficult for batters to take him on. His batting has improved a lot and he can hit a few lusty blows if given an opportunity. The Proteas star pacer is likely to miss the initial few games of the IPL 2023 due to national duties.

1) Deepak Chahar

CSK missed Chahar badly last season when they finished second last in the points table. Since his debut for the franchise in 2018, Chahar is Dhoni’s go-to bowler as the CSK skipper tries to get at least three overs from the swing bowler in powerplay overs. And sometimes Chahar finishes his quota of four overs in the first ten overs. Chahar has picked up 58 wickets in as many IPL matches for the four-time IPL winners while maintaining an excellent economy rate of 7.70.

Being the senior most pacer in the squad, Chahar will have a slightly different role in the team. Not just with the new ball, but he will have to bowl with the old ball in the death overs as well. Much like Jamieson, Chahar is a bowling all-rounder. Both are similar sorts of bowlers but Chahar is a slightly better batter than the Kiwi cricketer. With the IPL returning to the home and away formats, Chahar might enjoy bowling the new ball in different conditions as he did in 2019.