The Chennai Super Kings‘ (CSK) woes deepened after their loss to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Wednesday. While the scoreboard reflected a seven-wicket defeat, the bigger concern for CSK lies with their star pacer Deepak Chahar, who limped off the field after bowling just two deliveries.
Deepak Chahar hamstring woes flare up again
Deepak Chahar, entrusted with the crucial opening over, conceded a boundary off the first ball and immediately appeared to be in discomfort.
Grimacing and clutching his hamstring, a familiar injury concern for the Indian pacer, Chahar had to be helped off the field.
CSK already facing Bowling shortage
This latest injury comes at a terrible time for CSK, who were already missing key bowling options. Strike bowler Matheesha Pathirana is out with a niggle, and pacer Tushar Deshpande is battling illness. With Deepak Chahar potentially out, CSK’s bowling attack faces a significant setback.
Coach Stephen Fleming update on Deepak Chahar
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, addressing the media after the match, admitted, “Deepak Chahar doesn’t look good.” While acknowledging the initial concern, Fleming expressed hope for a positive medical report. With the team’s Sri Lankan contingent unavailable due to visa issues, CSK’s bowling resources are stretched thin.
He said: “Deepak Chahar doesn’t look good. Initial feeling wasn’t great. So we are waiting for more positive report. Physio and doctors will have a look. Sri Lankan boys are off to get visa. So we are hoping that there process is smooth. And we get them back for our next game up north (at Dharamshala). Richard Gleeson was good, he was positive. Tushar Deshpande got flu, so we had to make few changes today which is a bit unusual. But again that’s part of it and we have got resources. It’s just they haven’t got time to be comfortable about their roles and us to be comfortable with the game plan that we are struggling with.”
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Race Against Time for CSK in IPL 2024
The upcoming matches will be crucial for CSK, who need Deepak Chahar to recover quickly. The team is hopeful that their Sri Lankan players will secure their visas in time for the next game. CSK will also rely on their reserve pacer, Richard Gleeson, who impressed in his debut performance.
With the playoffs looming, CSK needs to overcome this injury crisis and find a way to maintain their IPL 2024 challenge.
Men in Yellow next play Punjab Kings, again, in Dharamshala at scenic HPCA Stadium.
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