Chennai Super Kings (CSK) continue to search for their ideal team combination, as lack of form and injuries hinder their progress eight games into the season. “We’re trying to find the right combination where players are going to contribute for the back end of this tournament,” said CSK head coach Stephen Fleming. Injuries to Matheesha Pathirana, Rahane, and Devon Conway, coupled with Mustafizur Rahman’s absence for visa matters, have disrupted the team’s balance. Despite changes, the team has struggled to find their rhythm, with Daryl Mitchell and Ajinkya Rahane failing to deliver in the recent match against Lucknow Super Giants. Mitchell, for whom CSK spent INR 14 crore at the auction, has managed only 146 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 123.72. Fleming remains hopeful of Mitchell finding his feet at No. 3, a role where he has had success for New Zealand. The surfaces in Chennai this season have also been less spin-friendly, nullifying one of CSK’s strengths. On Tuesday, in conditions that became better for batting with the onset of dew, Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali bowled just two overs each. Overall, CSK’s spinners have picked up just four wickets in four home games, while the fast bowlers have taken 22 wickets in those games. Fleming wants more help for his spinners but is not overly concerned about the conditions. “There’s not much assistance… we just have to be good enough to play on what’s in front of us,” he said. While CSK have depth in their spin attack, SRH are missing Wanindu Hasaranga and their Indian legspinner Mayank Markande has leaked runs at 11.42 an over – the third-worst economy rate among bowlers who have bowled at least 15 overs this season. SRH have never beaten CSK in Chennai in four attempts.
CSK’s Search for Winning Combination Continues Amidst Lack of Form and Injuries
