Imran Tahir was the top wicket taker in the Indian Premier League 2019.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner Imran Tahir hasn't played a single game in IPL 2020 despite being the purple-cap holder last year. When Suresh Raina was part of the team, CSK played Faf du Plessis as per their need. But with Raina out this season, they can't make Faf warm bench for a strong top order.
But CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has hinted Tahir may get into the side for the second phase of the tournament. His bowling is expected to suit the conditions more in upcoming matches. Speaking to ANI, Viswanathan said the team may come up with a new combination of foreigner players soon.
"He will definitely come into the picture as we go ahead. Right now, with the conditions on offer, the team composition has been planned with two foreigners at the top as pure batsmen and then two pace bowling all-rounders. But he will come in with the wickets starting to take a turn in the second half. You have the 4-foreigner restriction so you always plan according to the conditions on offer," he explained.
Tahir had a chat with the commentators during CSK's match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday. He knows the team combination is very important.
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"It has been difficult sitting out, but I have to be honest, I am enjoying and I know how we go about it as a team. I am happy if we are doing well and waiting for my opportunity and hopefully will be ready when I get it. Will be a good challenge playing against the young Indian talent. I see the pitches have started spinning a little bit," he told the commentators during the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Although there are players eligible for mid-season transfer, CSK CEO cleared that they aren't looking for any trading.
"CSK has never bought or released players in the mid-season transfer window and we have honestly not even gone through the rules and regulations that come into play if we are looking at a transfer. We are not looking at any player," he said.
Viswanathan added that the buys in the auction were made as per planning and they won't let any capped player go in the middle of the tournament.
"It is a competition after all and I don't think anyone would want to loan players to another franchise. Some might be playing and others might not, but all players are picked at the auction with numerous plans in mind and for different situations that might arise during the course of the tournament. You do not go in with just Plan A. You have an A, B, C, and D," he said.
(With ANI Inputs)