IPL 2024: 3 changes Chennai Super Kings should make to get back to winning ways

In the 49th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) hosted Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their penultimate home game of the season today. Once again, Ruturaj Gaikwad lost the toss and his team had to bat first. Chennai Super Kings openers gave a good start to the team with Gaikwad doing the bulk of the scoring. But a bad phase in the middle overs saw them lose wickets regularly. Some small contributions from lower-order batters along with Gaikwad’s valiant 62 saw the side reach a competitive score of 162/7 in their 20 overs.

In response, Punjab Kings’ batters were beaming with confidence and got the base early on to chase the total set by the opposition. Despite losing Prabhsimran Singh early, Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw kept the runs flowing and were taking the game away from Chennai Super Kings. In the end, Sam Curran and Shashank Singh got together and finished the chase off with ease. 

Here are the three changes Chennai Super Kings should make ahead of their next game:

3. Bring back Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra can be drafted back into the playing XI in place of Moeen Ali. This would bring back normalcy in the batting order as most of the batters can then slot in their preferred slot. Ravindra can then open the batting with Gaikwad and use the aggressive approach to get the momentum for his side.

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If Ravindra is drafted back into the starting XI, it gives an additional option of slow left-arm orthodox for the skipper. He is a quality fielder too and would be hoping to perform well if given the chance by the franchise.

2. Use Shivam Dube's bowling services

Shivam Dube can be a handy all-rounder for the Chennai Super Kings. Today, once the side lost Deepak Chahar to injury, it was obvious that he would bowl a few overs. He got the key wicket of Jonny Bairstow at a crucial juncture of the game and brought some hope for the side.

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Ruturaj Gaikwad would be hoping to utilize his services more often now given he can bowl on sluggish surfaces and can get wickets at regular intervals. His bowling can be a great asset for the Chennai Super Kings as well as Team India in this format.

1. Try Rajvardhan Hangargekar

With Mustafizur Rahman leaving the league now for national duty and no update on the injuries of Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande, the franchise might have to test out their bench strength in the next IPL 2024 fixture. This might be the perfect opportunity to test out Rajvardhan Hangargekar in the team. 

The young fast bowling all-rounder can be a great option with the new ball and can use his variations during the death overs. With the Indian pacers out injured, it might be a great opportunity for the youngster to make the most of his opportunity in the league.