‘I feel both Mustafizur and Pathirana will play’ - Aakash Chopra backs CSK pacers to perform against KKR

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) continue their ongoing IPL 2024 (Indian Premier League) campaign by taking on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, on Monday, April 8. Notably, Kolkata have been in supreme form as they have remained unbeaten in the tournament. 

On the other hand, CSK have won two out of the four matches that they have played so far. Meanwhile, according to the former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator, Aakash Chopra, pacers Mustafizur Rahman and Matheesha Pathirana of the home side should be at the top of their games to defeat KKR. Notably, Mustafizur Rahman has taken seven wickets from three appearances and is the current second-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing IPL 2024. His performance could turn out to be match-defining against KKR if Chennai want to register their third win of the season.

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“I feel both Mustafizur and Pathirana will play and those two are my two other players in focus to stop the opposition's batting juggernaut. First is Mustafizur Rahman because when you come to Chennai, you need to roll your fingers over the ball. He wasn't available for the last match. Chennai missed him a lot,” Chopra was quoted as saying by IndiaToday. 

My second bowler in focus is Matheesha Pathirana: Chopra

Furthermore, Aakash Chopra also talked about the fiery Chennai Super Kings pacer, Matheesha Pathirana. The former India international opined that the Chennai-based franchise will aim to dismiss the likes of Andre Russell and Rinku Singh with the spell of Pathirana. He also pointed out his recent notable performance against the power-hitters of Delhi Capitals, which turned the game in CSK's favour.

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“My second bowler in focus is Matheesha Pathirana. A lot of sixes have been hit in this tournament. However, you remember Pathirana's catch and his two wickets in an over - Mitchell Marsh and Tristan Stubbs. If you have to stop (Andre) Russell and Rinku (Singh), then you are again looking at Matheesha Pathirana,” Chopra concluded.