Cricket

IPL 2024: I feel it’s a good headache to have – Balaji highlights CSK’s fast bowling depth

Chennai Super Kings’ former pacer Laxmipathy Balaji highlighted that the return of Matheesha Pathirana is a good sign for the franchise. The Sri Lankan pacer missed the opening game of the season against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

In his absence, Mustafizur Rahman made his CSK debut and the left-arm seamer was able to impress straight away. Rahman bagged a four-wicket haul (4-29) against RCB as he bowled at the top of his game.

On the other hand, Pathirana scalped 19 wickets in 12 matches of the previous season and played a key role in taking CSK to glory under the tutelage of MS Dhoni. Pathirana was right on the money in the death overs and got the job done for CSK.

“Obviously, for a new entrant like Mustafizur to perform on the very first game was phenomenal. But what Pathirana did was he provided the cushion CSK wanted for a long time especially after Bravo because Bravo used to provide that cushion during the death overs to CSK,” stated Balaji on Star Sports press room.

“Pathirana straightaway got fit into that role and it probably depends on how well new ball bowlers bowl according to that, probably Pathirana might have to wait. Because Mustafizur can bowl in the death and in the start as well. So probably in that aspect I feel it’s a good headache to have when you have a fit Pathirana into the side and apart from that.”

Balaji feels it is crucial for newly appointed skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad to read the game well. Former Indian pacer feels Gaikwad will do well as he has got MS Dhoni by his side.

Balaji concluded, “I think it’s the captain who has to have the trust and also kind of comfort with the bowler’s perspective. So Ruturaj will have to get some understanding and time. We have seen what MS Dhoni did with Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur and Pathirana now it’s a time where Ruturaj has to step in and take the take the advice and go with gut feeling he has.”

CSK will face Gujarat Titans on Tuesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024