Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fast bowler Deepak Chahar faced further injury troubles, exiting the field after delivering only a couple of balls against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday, May 1.
The right-arm fast bowler was entrusted with the new ball as per usual, as CSK aimed to defend 163 runs in their third consecutive home game. He started with a dot ball but then conceded a boundary to Prabhsimran Singh. Just as he was about to release the third ball of the over, he halted his delivery stride by the crease.
Chahar displayed a concerned expression and briefly conversed with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad before leaving the field entirely. Shaik Rasheed replaced him as a substitute fielder for CSK.
Shardul Thakur took over the rest of the first over following Chahar’s departure from the field. He gave away eight runs from four balls, with the initial delivery being struck for a six.
CSK encounters a pace-bowling injury crisis as IPL 2024 approaches its crucial stage following Chahar’s exit
Deepak Chahar’s injury, initially appearing serious, might sideline him for the rest of the league stage of IPL 2024. With Mustafizur Rahman leaving to join the Bangladesh national team after the PBKS match, and Pathirana and Deshpande unavailable, CSK are facing a significant shortage of pace bowlers.
Injury replacement Richard Gleeson and all-rounder Shardul Thakur are both available. Other medium-pace options in the current lineup include Daryl Mitchell and Shivam Dube.
Despite these options, CSK are struggling with one less bowler. PBKS are smoothly progressing in their run chase, benefiting from the dew factor. Overseas batsmen Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw contributed 46 and 43 runs respectively at a commendable rate, setting a solid foundation.
Despite the home team’s efforts in taking wickets, they haven’t been able to effectively utilize their spinners. At the time of writing, the visitors are in a strong position at 122-3 after 13 overs.
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