Chennai Super Kings suffered an 8-wicket loss to Lucknow Super Giants in match 34 of IPL 2024 played at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow on 19th April.
After being asked to bat first by KL Rahul, CSK batters struggled as Rachin Ravindra, Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Sameer Rizvi failed to contribute much. Ravindra Jadeja showed his class half-century along with Moeen Ali and then MS Dhoni played a quickfire cameo that helped CSK post 176 for 6.
CSK bowlers struggled picking only 2 wickets. With this loss, they remained at the number 3 spot. They would now face LSG in the reverse fixture in Chennai on 23rd April 2024.
Here we look at the 3 changes that CSK must make to be on the winning track in IPL 2024:
- Improved Fielding
Chennai Super Kings fielding was not up to the mark in yesterday’s match. Matheesha Pathirana dropped a sitter off Quinton de Kock which made the difference. De Kock and KL Rahul put on 134 runs for the opening wicket which put CSK bowlers under immense pressure.
CSK fielding must improve a lot if they need to win their next match against LSG on 23rd April 2024. Ravindra Jadeja produced a superb one-handed catch to dismiss KL Rahul which was only shining light for CSK as far as fielding was concerned.
- Deepak Chahar’s Poor Form With The Ball
Deepak Chahar was included in the playing XI replacing Shardul Thakur. He was expensive during his bowling efforts as De Kock and KL Rahul put pressure on him with attacking batting. He did not bowl his full quota of overs going for 26 runs in his 3 overs.
Chahar has not been effective so far in this year’s IPL. He has played so far 5 games in the season and grabbed only 4 wickets so far. His form will be a major concern for CSK going ahead in the tournament.
He could be dropped from the next match as Shardul Thakur could come into the playing XI again.
- Drop Rachin Ravindra, Bring in Theekshana Or Santer
Rachin Ravindra was dismissed on his first ball by Mohsin Khan. He struggled in the entire tournament so far. After putting on 83 runs in the first two games, he has been not able to score runs easily and managed just 50 runs.
Mahesh Theekshana could be included in the playing XI as a spinning choice. Apart from Ravindra Jadeja, CSK is struggling with spin options. Ruturaj Gaikwad could go top of the order which might help CSK.
Mitchell Santer could be an option who has not featured this season so far. He is a left-arm spinner who can trouble the batters with his variations.
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