Deepak Chahar and Mayank Yadav might have concluded their appearances for this Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Both players have sustained mid-season injuries, casting doubt on their participation in the remaining matches for their respective teams.
“Deepak’s injury doesn’t look promising. I wouldn’t say he’s ruled out for the season, but it’s uncertain,” stated Kasi Viswanathan, the CEO of Chennai Super Kings, regarding their key bowler who suffered a hamstring injury.
Chahar was forced to leave the field after delivering just two balls in their recent match against Punjab Kings at the Chepauk. In their upcoming game against PBKS in Dharamsala on Sunday afternoon, Chahar, a significant acquisition for 14 crores, has opted not to travel to the Himachal city.
“He has remained in Chennai,” Viswanathan confirmed. “We’re awaiting a report from the medical team.”
Following the previous match on Wednesday, coach Stephen Fleming expressed concern over Chahar’s condition, indicating it was not favourable.
“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,” the New Zealander had said on Wednesday.
CSK also has other players facing fitness issues. Tushar Deshpande is battling the flu but has travelled to Dharamsala, as has Matheesha Pathirana, who missed the last game due to a niggle. “We will only know about their availability on Sunday,” stated the CSK CEO.
CSK occupy the fifth position on the IPL 2024 points table
After a promising start to the season, Chennai has encountered defeats in three of their last four games, including consecutive losses to Lucknow Super Giants. With 10 points from 10 games, they currently hold the fifth position in the points table. They require at least three wins in the remaining matches, and the injury concerns have surfaced at an unfavourable time.
Similarly, Mayank exited Lucknow’s last game after bowling 3.1 overs, and sources suggest that the side strain that sidelined him for a few matches before being included in the game against Mumbai Indians on April 30 has resurfaced.
Mayank’s rapid pace initially garnered attention in the IPL, to the extent that he was considered a potential candidate for the Indian squad for the Twenty20 Cup. However, fitness issues have hindered his progress, casting doubt on his participation for LSG this season.
Lucknow currently has 12 points and requires at least two more victories from their remaining four games to secure a spot in the playoffs. They are set to face Knight Riders next on Sunday.
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