'It’s a good headache to have' - Lakshmipathy Balaji on CSK's bowling depth

Former India cricketer Lakshmipathy Balaji has highlighted the depth of Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) bowling option in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). CSK, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, made a stunning start to their IPL campaign with a six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). They will next face Gujarat Titans on March 26 in Chennai. 

Despite the performance of CSK batters, the bowlers excelled in the first innings and helped the side to restrict RCB for a reasonable score. Bangladesh star pacer Mustafizur Rahman was the hero of the match, claiming a four-wicket haul for 29 runs. Mustafizur’s efforts in his debut for Chennai were praised by many and the former CSK bowler Balaji was the recent one to do so. He feels that Matheesha Pathirana fits into the void left by Dwayne Bravo. 

“Obviously, for a new entrant like Mustafizur to perform on the very first game was phenomenal. But what Pathirana did was he provided the cushion CSK wanted for a long time especially after Bravo because Bravo used to provide that cushion during the death overs to CSK,” Balaji said on ‘Star Sports Press Room.'

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“Pathirana straightaway got fit into that role and it probably depends on how well new ball bowlers bowl according to that, probably Pathirana might have to wait. Because Mustafizur can bowl in the death and in the start as well. So probably in that aspect I feel it’s a good headache to have when you have a fit Pathirana into the side," the 42-year-old added.

He further emphasized the importance of Gaikwad's understanding of reading the game and making decisions accordingly. However, with seasoned captain MS Dhoni in the team, the former cricketer is confident that the youngster will acquire the skills.

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"I think it’s the captain who has to have the trust and also kind of comfort with the bowler’s perspective. So Ruturaj will have to get some understanding and time. We have seen what MS Dhoni did with Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur and Pathirana now it’s a time where Ruturaj has to step in and take the advice and go with gut feeling he has," the former cricketer concluded.