Benched by CSK, Akeal Hosein cheers for JSK teammate Dian Forrester hitting Mohammand Nawaz for 3 sixes in PSL via Instagram

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) Rs 2 crore recruit Akeal Hosein has been warming the benches while the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions have suffered three consecutive defeats. Hosein has been backed by many to play, including CSK legends Ravichandran Ashwin and Ambati Rayudu but he is yet to get the nod. Meanwhile, during CSK’s long break Hosein has been watching the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, supporting his Jo’burg Super Kings’ teammate Dian Forrester who has been represented Rawalpindiz. On April 6, Hosein posted a few Instagram stories of Forrester batting.

Hosein shared videos of the young South African batter hitting Multan Sultans all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz for three consecutive sixes at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

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Forrester contributed with an 11-ball 24 cameo, sharing a crucial partnership with half-centurion Sam Billings. The Proteas all-rounder was dismissed by veteran pacer Peter Siddle. His cameo went in vain as Multan Sultans chased down the target of 183 with ease.

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Meanwhile, Hosein is waiting for a chance to prove himself. It’s not like CSK have a problem of plenty. Their overseas stocks are depleted with Dewald Brevis injured, Nathan Ellis ruled out and Spencer Johnson yet to join the squad. Matt Short was dropped after just one game whereas the management has backed Noor Ahmad despite his struggles.

Hosein’s recent form

Hosein has not been out of form of late. From six games, he bagged seven wickets at an average of 23.28. His economy rate was 8.57 runs per over.

Hosein’s Super Kings record in SA20 & MLC

From 11 games, the left-arm spinner claimed seven wickets at an average of 31.85. While he wasn't their prime wicket-taker, he kept a lid on boundaries, conceding runs at 7.68 runs per over.

He also played for Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025. From seven games, he claimed 10 wickets at an average of 9.60. His economy rate was 4.80 runs per over.

CSK’s next opponent

The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will play at home against Axar Patel’s Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 11. Before their fourth game, MS Dhoni and Brevis are expected to undergo fitness tests.