Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are not having a usual outing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season. Unlike the last two years, CSK have had few setbacks and will be worried with how things have progressed till now.
Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh backed out of the tournament, and now they have lost two consecutive matches. Their batting line-up is struggling and they also don't have a single full-time off-spinner in the team.
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan feels CSK is not getting their combination right and they are looking imbalanced. He also added that Super Kings not opting for Raina's replacement has played against them.
“For the first time, it is looking that the Chennai Super Kings team is not settled. They had problems before the start of the IPL, Suresh Raina went back and they have not taken a replacement for him till now,” Pathan said on Star Sports Cricket Connected chat show.
“Because of that, there have been a lot of problems in the team composition. If Suresh Raina had been batting at No.3, they could have played an extra bowler. Currently, they have only 5 bowlers. Kedar Jadhav not being bowled by MS Dhoni is also a cause of concern,” he added.
Pathan wants Dhoni to play maximum deliveries so he could get produce good performances which are the key for CSK's success. “The teams which have been playing with an additional bowler in the IPL are looking stronger. More than a finisher, MS Dhoni is himself such a great finisher. He needs to ensure that he plays at least 10 overs and Chennai Super Kings must field an extra bowler. Then the rest of the things will be set,” Pathan further said.
Chennai Super Kings are currently placed at the number 8 spot in the points table and will play Sunrisers Hyderabad on October 2.
