Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans’ long wait came to an end after the South-Indian franchise named Kyle Jamieson’s replacement for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. The four-time Champions CSK have roped in South Africa pacer Sisanda Magala as a replacement for injured New Zealand bowler Jamieson for the sixteenth edition of IPL. Magala, who joins CSK at his base price of Rs 50 lakh, went unsold in the mini-auction. The 32-year-old pacer had played a critical role in Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s SA20 League triumph by taking 14 wickets in 12 games.
Though Magala is an experienced campaigner, he has turned out for just five ODIs and four T20Is for South Africa. However, Magala has donned 127 T20 caps in which he has bagged 136 wickets. The right-arm bowler has taken 2 four-wicket hauls and as many fifers. He also has a healthy experience of playing 94 first-class matches. Magala had a reputation for being a regular wicket-taker in domestic T20 games over the years.
Jamieson was ruled out of the season due to back surgery. Since Jamieson can also make vital contributions with the bat, CSK would be one all-rounder short in the season. The bowling all-rounder had joined CSK for Rs 1 crore. He will remain part of CSK and will make his comeback next year if retained.
Reports suggest that Sri Lankan spinner Mahesh Theekshana might not be available for IPL 2023 due to international commitments. If the mystery spinner does not play, then CSK should look for a suitable replacement. The young Indian spinner Ajay Mandal could be a potential replacement as the left-arm orthodox bowler has a good range of variations and can be a wicket-taking option for CSK.
Captain cool MS Dhoni will continue to lead CSK. He gave up captaincy before the start of IPL 2022 but was back in the top job after the team struggled in the first half. CSK spent big bucks on Ben Stokes in the ILP 2023 mini-auction and signed him for Rs 16.25 crore. The English all-rounder could become part of the leadership group as Dhoni is expected to take a call on his career after this season.
CSK will kick off their IPL 2023 campaign in the opening game of the season against defending champions Gujarat Titans on March 31. MS Dhoni-led side will play their first home game since 2019 against Lucknow Super Giants on April 3.
