The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are facing a major challenge as they head into the final stages of IPL 2024. Head coach Stephen Fleming has admitted that the team's bowling attack is depleted, which has disrupted their overall balance. This problem was highlighted during CSK's recent match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 1. CSK's star pacer Deepak Chahar, who had already missed two games earlier in the season due to a minor injury, was only able to bowl two deliveries before being forced to leave the field. While Shardul Thakur stepped in to complete the over, Chahar's inability to continue is a worrying sign.
Chahar pulled up in his run-up and was seen in pain while bowling his third delivery during PBKS' batting. After a chat with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, he was forced to limp off the field. Shardul Thakur stepped in to complete the over. This setback added to Chahar's underwhelming IPL 2024 campaign. Despite playing eight matches, he's only managed five wickets with an economy rate of over 8. Injuries have plagued him in recent years, keeping him out of action for extended periods.
Stephen Fleming on Deepak Chahar's injury
Adding to the concern, coach Fleming remained tight-lipped about the details of Chahar's injury, including its nature and severity. However, he did hint that the initial signs are not encouraging, suggesting that Chahar's absence could be extended.
"Yeah, the travelogue is pretty busy. There's a lot of ins and outs. So, Deepak Chahar doesn't look good. The initial feeling wasn't great. So, I'm hoping for a more positive report when the physio and the doctor have a look," Fleming said in the post-match press conference.
There's more movement in the CSK camp. Sri Lankan players Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana need to return to Colombo to complete visa formalities for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, CSK is optimistic about having them back for the return match against PBKS in Dharamsala on May 5.
Meanwhile, Mustafizur Rahman's time with CSK in the IPL has come to an end after their match on Wednesday. He'll be joining the Bangladesh national team for their home T20I series against Zimbabwe, which starts on May 3.
"The Sri Lankan boys are off to get their visas," Fleming said. “We're hoping that their process is smooth and we get them back for the next game up north. Richard Gleeson was good and it was a positive. Losing Fizz [Mustafizur] is disappointing, there's a lot happening isn't it?,” Fleming further said.
Chahar's absence further crippled CSK's bowling attack. While Shardul Thakur, debutant Richard Gleeson, and Shivam Dube each grabbed a wicket, it wasn't enough. PBKS comfortably chased down the target of 163 with 13 balls to spare.
Amid Deepak's injury, in his impressive debut, 36-year-old Richard Gleeson impressed with his new-ball swing, grabbing one of CSK's three wickets on Wednesday. He also boasts a variety of deliveries like yorkers and bouncers. However, beyond Gleeson and the young Pathirana, CSK lacks a specialist overseas fast bowler in their squad.
Their remaining options are untested. Indian pacers Mukesh Choudhary and Simarjeet Singh haven't played many competitive matches since the beginning of 2023. Prashant Solanki, a Maharashtra leg-spinner, was named as a substitute for the last game but hasn't featured yet.
Meanwhile, despite the loss, CSK remain in fourth place with 10 points, thanks to their five wins in ten games. However, their net run rate of +0.627 could be crucial in the tight race for the playoffs.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
