Punjab Kings defeated Chennai Super Kings by seven wickets in Chepauk. The defending champions were behind in all the game departments, with batting and bowling failing to leave any impact. The total of 162 will always be below par, considering the dew on the ground. However, there is more to CSK’s troubles. They don’t have proper fast bowlers to win matches as most of their main pacers are injured, and Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has left for home to play in a T20I series against Zimbabwe.
Tushar Deshpande missed the game against Punjab as he was unwell, and no information is available on his return. Matheesha Pathirana was also ruled out of the game due to a niggle, and he could miss a couple of games. Deepak Chahar couldn’t complete his quota of full overs due to a hamstring injury against Sam Curran-led team.
Former India and CSK player Irfan Pathan feels Chennai are in big trouble, and if the bowlers don’t recover on time, their chances of playing in the playoffs will be over.
“They won the game against SRH despite the presence of dew, and the reason was their trump card, Pathirana. We don’t know when he will return. Mustafizur Rahman will not play from now onwards. Deepak Chahar is injured. Tushar Deshpande, who is the most underrated bowler, is not well.
“There is no proper fast bowler available for CSK. They are in big trouble, and if the problem persists, they will likely miss the playoff berth,” Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports.