The season hasn’t begun and Chennai Super Kings’ have dealt with a massive setback now in the name of MS Dhoni’s absence. The main question remains whether they can recover from this blow.
The franchise confirmed Dhoni’s absence due to a calf strain. Dhoni is set to miss at least four matches: March 30: Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings, April 3: Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings, April 5: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings and April 11: Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals.
Top Order
At the top, recently traded Sanju Samson will have huge shoes to fill, as he has to show not only his batting prowess but also tactical decisions that need to be taken while he’s behind the stumps.
The major problem with CSK last year was their sluggish starts in the powerplay which cost them the game. Ruturaj Gaikwad has to carry the responsibilities to provide good starts at the top and up the ante for his side.
Also Read | MS Dhoni is still in CSK but an era is coming to an end. How?
Middle Order
In the middle overs, the responsibility needs to be divided. Shivam Dube can take down the spinners at will and Drewald Brevis can consolidate his position by being a late innings’ anchor.
Flexibility in roles can be the key for CSK. Rotating the strike and risk management also needs to be taken care of. They might also need floating batters depending on the match situations.
Finishers
At the death, when power-surge is a must, due to Dhoni’s absence, Ayush Mhatre can be used as a finisher who can dictate terms on the bowlers at will. His late trigger movement might be crucial to outfox the bowlers and take his team over the line.
The presence of one of the middle order batter alongside the finishers can be crucial to avoid collapses and exposing the tail enders at the death overs.
Bowlers
Finally, the bowlers must hold their nerves and execute their plans accordingly. Dhoni’s inputs behind the stumps will be missed definitely, but Ruturaj Gaikwad alongside keeper-batter Sanju Samson can provide adequate support to the bowlers.
Matt Henry in the fast bowling department and Noor Ahmed with his mystery spin need to deliver with ball-in-hand.
CSK Possible playing eleven
Sanju Samson (WK), Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad(C), Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube , Prashant Veer, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed
