I agree too.. Definitely not the depth yet for a 10-team IPL. I feel the addition of these two new teams is likely to create imbalanced teams and could lead to a spike in boring games. The format of "8 teams with them playing home and away" was working fine and could have gone on a few more years, especially atleast until we as a world fully got out of this damn pandemic!
Wouldn't mind Hales, but Billings? Meh.... I don't know. Seeing how CSK went for both QDK and Warner, they seem to be having a left handed opening batsman in mind. Could that mean they go for Evin Lewis? Maybe... I wish they go after Markram, who has a slightly more added utility of his bowling and his spectacular fielding. One that could give us the value that Faf gave (with his fielding). They need to fill the Faf sized hole, since they've shown clear intent of recreating the side that won them the title.
They clearly need a backup for Bravo and an Indian bowler in Thakur's place who can bowl at the death. Maybe Chetan Sakariya, who even expressed interest to play under Dhoni? Or if they want the experience and age, Jaydev Unadkat? I know Unadkat was pretty bad for Rajasthan post that breakout season for RPSG in 2017, but his breakout season was when Dhoni-Fleming were with RPSG.
Lots of maneuvering and cheap buys to make. That's why I dont feel its over yet for Chennai (or any other team that didn't have a great Day 1). Was listening to Harsha on Cricbuzz and he said "Day 1 was a player's day, and Day 2 is going to be a franchise owner's day as the actual squad crystallizes on Day 2". Very much like a test match where the main action happens in the end.
