Chennai Super Kings will have an extremely tough task at hand in dealing with the prolific Nicholas Pooran in their clash against LSG. The Caribbean star, who is the current Orange Cap holder, is in the form of his life. With four fifties from six matches, he averages a mind-boggling 69.80. Only two CSK bowlers have an impressive record against Pooran and will be key to tackle his menace.
Only Pathirana, Ashwin can stop Pooran
Mateesha Pathirana has an impressive record against LSG’s Pooran. Out of 25 deliveries bowled to the Caribbean star in T20s, the Sri Lankan pacer has conceded just 23 runs while managing to dismiss him 4 times. However, the trouble for CSK could be that Pathirana is generally used in the death overs. This means they may have to look at other options to handle Pooran until Pathirana comes in.
The second best weapon for CSK to deal with Pooran is Ashwin. The veteran spinner, who made his return to CSK after 10 years, hasn’t had a good season so far. Yet, he boasts of some great numbers against the destructive batter.
In 43 deliveries that Ashwin has bowled to Pooran in T20s, he has dismissed him three times, while conceding 40 runs.
| Bowler | Balls faced | No of dismissals |
| Pathirana | 25 | 4 |
| Ashwin | 43 | 3 |
Pooran’s prowess against spin in IPL 2025
However, CSK and Ashwin will be weary about Pooran’s carnage against spinners, especially in IPL 2025. In 6 innings, the Caribbean star has amassed 188 runs against spinners, striking 22 sixes and 10 fours at a strike rate of 272.46. He averages a mind-boggling 94.00 against spin.
Thus, even the likes of Noor Ahmad, who has by far been CSK’s best bowler, will have to tread carefully against Pooran.
CSK will be desperate to end their losing streak, having lost 5 games on the trot.
