IPL 2024: Stephen Fleming provides worrying update on Deepak Chahar

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming revealed that Deepak Chahar did not look good after the experienced pacer sustained an injury while bowling in the clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Wednesday, May 1, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Deepak was given the first over in the second innings after CSK set a target of 163 for the visitors. Just after bowling two balls, the 31-year-old pulled up in his delivery stride. Following this, he had a chat with his captain, Rututaj Gaikwad, and subsequently walked off the field. Shardul Thakur was called in to complete the remaining four deliveries of Deepak's over.

Chahar did not return to the field after this. After the end of the match, Fleming provided a concerning update on Chahar, stating that the "initial feeling wasn't great" but hoped that a "more positive report" would emerge soon. He also added that Tushar Deshpande is recovering from flu and that is why he wasn't a part of the playing XI on Wednesday.

"Deepak Chahar doesn't look good. Initial feeling wasn't great. So, we are waiting for more positive report. Physio and doctors will have a look. Sri Lankan boys are off to get visa. We are hoping that their process is smooth. And we get them back for our next game up north . Richard Gleeson was good, he was positive. Tushar Deshpande got flu, so we had to make a few changes today, which is a bit unusual. But again that's part of it and we have got resources. It's just they haven't got time to be comfortable about their roles and us to be comfortable with the game plan that we are struggling with," Fleming said at the post-match press conference.

Also Read: 'I would say 50-60 runs short' - Ruturaj Gaikwad analyses Chennai Super Kings' loss to Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings register back-to-back wins to keep playoff aspirations alive

On the back of a disciplined bowling performance, Punjab Kings restricted Chennai to 162/7 in their 20 overs. Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar stood out with the ball, as they bagged two wickets apiece and conceded just 17 and 16 runs respectively from their four-over spells. Gaikwad starred with the bat for CSK, as he played a fine knock of 62 off 48 balls on the sluggish surface.

In reply, Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw stitched a destructive 64-run partnership off 37 balls for the second wicket after Prabhsimran Singh fell cheaply. Bairstow departed for a 30-ball 46, while Rossouw was dismissed after scoring 43 off 23. The in-form Shashank Singh and captain Sam Curran added 50 off 37 balls to take their team home with seven wickets and 13 balls to spare.

Also Read: IPL 2024 Qualification Scenarios: How can Chennai Super Kings qualify for playoffs after loss against PBKS in Match 49?

Punjab won their fourth match in 10 games and are positioned at No. 7 on the points table. Meanwhile, Chennai remained at No. 4, with five wins and as many losses from 10 games.