As the TATA IPL 2024 approach its business end, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finds itself in a spot of bother. CSK have been hit by a bit of struggle, with as many as 5 of their players unavailable for the time being in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Flemming, after his team’s defeat against Punjab Kings, revealed that a few of their players are unavailable/injured. The likes of Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesh Pathirana, Mustafizur Rahman and Maheesh Theekshana were not available for CSK’s game against Lucknow, on Wednesday.
Notably, Mustafizur Rahman has returned home, Bangladesh, for his national duties. Matheesh Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana have also flown back to Sri Lanka to complete their visa process for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Meanwhile, Deepak Chahar has suffered some injury and Tushar Deshpande is low due to flu.
Talking about Deepak Chahar’s injury, Flemming expressed his concerns saying that the initial impressions of the injury weren’t promising.
“Deepak Chahar doesn’t look good. Initial feeling wasn’t great. So we are waiting for a more positive report. Physio and doctors will have a look. Tushar Deshpande got flu, so we had to make a few changes today, which is a bit unusual,” said Stephen Flemming in the post-match conference after CSK suffered a 7-wicket defeat against Punjab Kings.
Chahar bowled just two deliveries against Punjab Kings before he went off the field and didn’t return afterwards for the game.
“Sri Lankan boys are off to get visas. So we are hoping that their process is smooth. And we get them back for our next game up north (at Dharamshala). Richard Gleeson was good, he was positive,” he added.
CSK’s bowling woes remained the main reason for their defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS). With their key bowlers out, the Yellow Army couldn’t handle the PBKS batters effectively and hence lost the game.
With the tournament progressing, CSK have seen a dip in their overall performance. In the last four games, Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK has suffered three defeats, two of which came against Lucknow Super Giants.
In 10 games so far, CSK have managed five wins and as many losses, which keeps them afloat in the IPl 2024 playoff race. With 10 points against their name, CSK stands fourth in the points table.
Chennai needs to win at least two of their remaining four games to get to a comfortable position in the points table for the playoffs. More than two losses would put them in a position of fix, where they would require the support of other teams to qualify for the top 4.
CSK will face Punjab, Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in their last four games in the ongoing league stages. Below are the details of their remaining schedule in IPL 2024:
- PBKS vs CSK – 5th May
- GT vs CSK – 10th May
- CSK vs RR – 12th May
- RCB vs CSK 18th May