IPL 2021: 5 Bowlers who can replace Josh Hazlewood in CSK

Josh Hazlewood has pulled out of IPL 2021 citing bio-secure bubble fatigue reasons in view of the busy International schedule. With the Ashes and T20 World Cup scheduled this year, the Aussie pacer wants keep himself fresh. It was known that the withdrawal comes as a shock to CSK and they race against time to get in a proper replacement.

Chennai Super Kings has lost one of their premium pacers in Josh Hazlewood and here is a list of bowlers we think can replace Hazlewood.

1. Morne Morkel

The Proteas pacer was back in the action in BBL 2020-21 season. The South African fast bowling great picked 5 wickets and looked like getting back in rhythm. The 36 year old pacer has troubled teams in the past in the marquee tournament.

Josh Hazlewood’s accuracy and precision can be matched by the experienced campaigner in Morne as he also packs an incredible IPL record picking 77 wickets at an economy rate of 7.69. He represented Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders.

2. Sheldon Cottrell

Chennai Super Kings can use the variety of Cottrell as they don’t have any left arm pacer in the squad. With the team featuring camouflage stripes on their jersey this year – Sheldon Salute will be an icing on the cake.

Cottrell picked 6 wickets in 6 matches on his IPL debut but his reputation was overshadowed by the Tewatia effect. The West Indian pacer picked 135 wickets in 102 T20 innings he bowled at an impressive average of 20.55. His economy rate of 7.57 also backs his cause.

Filling Hazlewood’s shoes Cottrell can be effective both with the new ball and in the death overs.

3. Tim Southee

Southee might not have a great IPL record backing his cause but the Kiwi pacer has stepped up his game as a captain for New Zealand cricket in T20s in recent times.

With over 200 wickets in T20 cricket and with the ability to produce some cameos with the bat, the Kiwi pacer is not a bad bet. Southee represented Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the past.

4. Fidel Edwards

Fidel Edwards’ ability to york and bounce the opposition at will, makes him a very lethal prospect. Edwards has 106 T20 wickets to his name at an average of 27.00 with a best of 5-22 – His career economy rate of 7.73 is impressive given he bowls at Powerplay and at the slog overs. His wicket taking ability when the batsmen are on the offensive grabs attention of the franchises.

Last time Fidel Edwards played in a IPL season, his team Deccan Chargers lifted the trophy. He was also a part of Rajasthan Royals unit though he didn’t get any match time back then.

His presence will give CSK a attacking bowling option upfront and at the death.

5. Jason Behrendorff

The left arm pacer from Australia played for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2019 – the year in which they lifted the trophy. He played 5 matched and picked 5 wickets. Jason Behrendorff is known to be a very vicious bowler with the new ball. Another left arm pacer who can give a variety to CSK bowling attack.

Jason Behrendorff has an impressive T20 record with 90 wickets in 77 innings – bowling at an economy rate of 7.20 runs per over and a bowling average of 22.27.

Honorable Mentions:

The CSK franchise would love the presence of Mark Wood back in the line up but the English pacer withdrew himself from the tournament ahead of the IPL 2021 Auctions. Aussie pacer Billy Stanlake is another pacer who can give them the oomph factor!

CSK can also look out for younger options like Nathan Ellis who can be instrumental with breath throughs in powerplay and death overs.