Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer questioned Chennai Super Kings’ intent after their 25-run loss against Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Saturday. Delhi Capitals posted a par score of 183 runs on the board after KL Rahul scored 77 runs off 51 balls.
In response, the home team was reeling at 74-5 after 10.4 overs. CSK former captain MS Dhoni trudged to 30 runs off 26 balls whereas Vijay Shankar, who was given four lives by Delhi Capitals, scored 69 runs off 54 balls as he failed to find his timing throughout the innings.
The duo scored 84 runs off 56 balls but surprisingly the pair didn’t try to go for the big shots despite the required run rate going past 12.
Wasim Jaffer said on ESPN Cricinfo, “If their top order doesn’t fire and Dube gets out, it looks like they shut shop very quickly. They feel really, really behind the game and it doesn’t even look like they’re trying. That approach has been the most surprising to me; it’s twice in two games, where they shut shop too early. That’s a major concern for CSK.”
The former domestic giant noted that CSK is struggling after losing their top-order wickets.
“They’re losing too many wickets upfront. Whether it would be form or poor shot selection, whether it would be selection alone, and maybe throwing around too many players and those players might be feeling like, ‘I don’t know if I’m in or out,’ and that could be something we’re not used to when looking at a Chennai team. Usually, they’re stable, a good decision-making team and franchise. The team is like they’re a bit rattled at the moment.”
On the other hand, former South African wicket-keeper Mark Boucher said CSK’s top-order is really struggling in the tournament so far.
“Their top order is really struggling. And we talk about your lower order which has been historically very strong and finishing off games, the [Ravindra] Jadejas, the Dhonis – the Dhoni little cameos that they usually have – they’re walking in just after ten overs. So, there’s a lot left to do from just a batsmanship perspective, and that’s where they’re getting it wrong,” said Boucher.
Chennai Super Kings will next take on Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh on Tuesday.
