IPL 2024: Three Super Kings Who Can Replace Mustafizur Rahman In CSK's Playing XI vs SRH

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman will likely miss the next away game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5. The pacer, who made headlines with a brilliant spell in his opening match for CSK, has returned to Bangladesh to sort out his visa problems. The T20 World Cup kicks off on June 1, just a week after the conclusion of the IPL 2024 season. As per reports, Mustafizur returned to Bangladesh for a biometric test to obtain a visa to the USA and the West Indies. The report further stated that the authorities have taken his passport for some formalities, which will be completed in a few days. Mustafizur Rahman's absence comes as a big blow to the Super Kings. The left-arm quick has been the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, with seven wickets in three games.

Three Super Kings who can replace Mustafizur Rahman in CSK's Playing XI vs SRH

Defending champions Chennai Super Kings started their IPL 2024 campaign with a couple of home victories before losing their third game against the Delhi Capitals. In Mustafizur's absence, CSK might play only three foreigners and use the final spot for the impact sub. Here's a look at three possible replacements in Mustafizur Rahman's place. CSK will square off against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on April 5.

1. Maheesh Theekshana

After Matheesha Pathirana returned to the playing XI, mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana had to make his way out. However, Mustafizur Rahman's emergency return to Bangladesh for the T20 World Cup visa opens up an overseas slot. Under MS Dhoni, Theekshana played a crucial role in Chennai's fifth IPL title, bagging 11 wickets in 13 games at an economy rate of just 8. Theekshana can be used with the new ball during the powerplay and is also an excellent operator in the middle overs. If the mystery spinner returns to the XI, CSK will have to make changes to field the right combination.

2. Mukesh Choudhary

Left-arm pacer Mukesh Choudhary has warmed the benches in the first three matches in the IPL 2024 season, but he might get an opportunity now as Mustafizur Rahman is set to miss the away game against SRH. Mukesh is a like-for-like replacement for the cutter specialist from Bangladesh. The left-arm pacer has played 13 IPL matches so far, bagging 16 wickets. Mukesh can swing the ball both ways and troubled the Mumbai Indians with a brilliant spell in 2022. He might not be as good as the Bangladesh seamer in the death overs, but the left-arm aspect might tempt CSK to play him against SRH.

3. Shardul Thakur

Star allrounder Shardul Thakur is a three-dimensional player and could be the game-changer for Chennai Super Kings in the coming matches. CSK might include him in the playing XI in the absence of Mustafizur Rahman against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Fondly known as Lord Shardul, the experienced allrounder has the skill to use the new ball and swing it both ways. Whenever the team needs a wicket, Shardul delivers more often than not. Although he may go for some runs, his wicket-taking abilities make him an important option. The inclusion of Shardul could also boost CSK's batting department. He is a powerful striker of the ball and has already played a few game-changing knocks in his IPL career.