Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) new ball bowler Deepak Chahar on May 1 left the field holding his right hamstring against Punjab Kings (PBKS) after bowling just two deliveries. Chahar did not take further part in the game which left CSK with a depleted bowling lineup against PBKS as they lost their second match at home. With CSK set to take PBKS again on May 5, Chahar is likely to be unavailable, the franchise’s CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed.
"Deepak’s injury is not looking good. I will not say he is ruled out of the season but doubtful," Viswanathan told Cricbuzz.
CSK's Rs 14 crore recruit has stayed back in Chennai and not travelled to Dharamsala for the crucial clash.
"He has stayed back in Chennai. We're waiting for a report from the medical team," he added.
Earlier, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming also said that Chahar's condition is not looking good.
"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 doc have a look," Fleming told the reporters after loss to PBKS.
In Chahar’s absence, CSK’s bowling lineup does not look strong. Bangladesh left-arm pacer and also their leading wicket-taker in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Mustafizur Rahman has flew back home. Matheesha Pathirana missed the game due to a niggle whereas Tushar Deshpande couldn’t play due to flu.
"We will know about their availability only on Sunday," the CSK CEO said.
Depleting bowling attack
CSK may pick left-arm pacer Mukesh Choudhary to fill in for Rahman. Richard Gleeson on his IPL debut showed promise as he bagged a wicket with the new ball and was economical. To replace Chahar and Deshpande, they are likely to bring in either Rajvardhan Hangargekar or Simarjeet Singh.
CSK’s playoffs chances
The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side is currently placed fifth on the points table with five wins from 10 games. They need to win three out of their remaining games to have a good chance of reaching the playoffs.
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