(Cricket News) The 5-time champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are desperately in need for a win as they gear up to take on the Punjab Kings in an away fixture. CSK is set to play the Kings on the 5th of May in an afternoon encounter at one of the most beautiful venues of the world, Dharamsala.
CSK are currently placed 5th on the points table with 5 win out of their 10 games. They are coming off a loss against the same side, where the Punjab Kings completely dominated the Super Kings on the back of some wonderful spin bowling display. They are now badly in need of victories, given how tight the point table currently stands.
After a great start to the tournament, winning the first two games in a dominating fashion, the Chennai Express got derailed. They suffered some heavy defeats against the Delhi Capitals, LSG the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the next few games. They then won a few games and are currently standing with 5 wins. The problem with the champion side has been the lack of consistency.
CSK has been on-and-off with both the bat and the ball. They have still not managed to find their perfect composition. Their middle-order batting has again become a real concern for the side, much like the previous years where they were knocked out before the playoffs.
Bowling has also been inconsistent for the Super Kings. The young Pathirana has been the leader the of the attack alongside Mustafizur, while Jadeja and Deshpande has bowled good in phases. Some of the other bowlers, the likes of Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur have been at their very best, which hhas led to the side’s downfall in the recent games.
They have also suffered with a lot of injury concerns to some of their key players. Gaikwad is playing with an injured thumb, while Rahane has some niggle. Pathirana has missed out on some the games due to niggles. The latest blow that CSK has now encountered is the injury to Deepak Chahar, who might miss the rest of the season after walking off the field in the previous game. Mustafizur Rahman their leading wicket-taker is also leaving the side for national duties, which is again a big blow to the side moving forward in the league.
The strike of the batters and also the inconsistency has also caused the side with some losses. Gaikwad has been brilliant at the top, and Dube his having his dream rum this season in the middle phase, but is getting the desired support from other batters. MS Dhoni has bbeen in the vintage mode, but is only coming out to face 5-10 balls at the back end.
CSK have lost their previous three games against the Punjab Kings and they will be looking for a revenge. They would also want to put a statement that they are well and truly in the race for the playoffs.
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