In a recent twist of fate, both the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Gujarat Titans find themselves grappling with uncertainties as they gear up for IPL 2024. Aakash Chopra, a prominent cricket analyst, provided insights into potential challenges for both teams, adding an intriguing layer of suspense to the upcoming season.
Chopra raised concerns about CSK’s key player, Matheesha Pathirana, who played a crucial role as their specialist death bowler in IPL 2023. The recent setback of a hamstring injury has cast a shadow over Pathirana’s availability for the early matches of the tournament.
“Pathirana rhas gotten injured. There is no clarity on his availability, but will Chennai Super Kings have a problem because of his injury? They could have slight problems because Pathirana is their main death bowler,” Aakash Chopra disclosed in a candid YouTube video.
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While acknowledging alternative death-bowling options in Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar, Chopra highlighted the potential impact of missing Pathirana’s unique skills.
“However, they have got Shardul Thakur now, and Deepak Chahar was already there. They got Maheesh Theekshana to bowl a lot in the death overs, but they could feel Matheesha Pathirana’s absence a little,” observed Aakash Chopra.
In another development, Aakash Chopra underscored the absence of Matthew Wade from the Gujarat Titans’ initial two games in IPL 2024. Engaged in a Sheffield Shield match, Wade has received permission to join the team later. Chopra, however, downplayed the impact of Wade’s absence on the IPL 2022 champions.
“Matthew Wade will not be available for the initial matches. He is playing a Sheffield Shield match, and the Gujarat Titans have also given him permission to come late. Would he have got a chance to play at the start? I don’t think they will miss him that much at the start.”
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“He might have got a chance as well because if Hardik is not there, you see Kane Williamson and David Miller as overseas batters, and then suddenly you feel whether you are lacking something, and if you can play Matthew Wade. I don’t think they will miss him that much at the start,” he noted.
Aakash Chopra suggested that the Titans have adequate replacements, with Wriddhiman Saha as the wicketkeeper-batter and the possible inclusion of Robin Minz. However, uncertainties loom over Minz’s availability following a recent bike accident.
