"It's A Good Headache To Have" - Lakshmipathy Balaji Highlights CSK's Bowling Depth In IPL 2024

Former India cricketer Lakshmipathy Balaji has highlighted the depth of Chennai Super Kings' bowling option in the IPL 2024 season. CSK, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, made a stunning start to their IPL 2024 campaign with a six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at their home ground MA Chidambaram Stadium. They take on Gujarat Titans today 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, and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has enough options to try out according to the conditions.

Lakshmipathy Balaji highlights CSK's Bowling depth in IPL 2024

Former Chennai Super Kings bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji praised the performance of Mustafizur Rahman, a new entrant in the Indian Premier League (IPL), for his phenomenal debut. Balaji also highlighted the significance of Pathirana's contribution in providing the cushion that CSK had been missing since the departure of Bravo. Bravo used to provide that cushion during the death overs, but Pathirana filled that void and helped the team secure a much-needed win.

“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.'

According to CSK's bowling coach, Matheesha Pathirana is a good fit for the gap left by Dwayne Bravo. Balaji stated that Pathirana adapted to the role quickly, but it depends on how well the new ball bowlers perform. Mustafizur can bowl at the beginning and end of the innings, which may cause Pathirana to wait for his opportunity. However, Balaji believes that having Pathirana available is a good problem to have.

“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.

Balaji highlighted the significance of Ruturaj Gaikwad's ability to analyze the game and make decisions accordingly. Balaji mentioned that we have witnessed how MS Dhoni has groomed Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, and Pathirana, and now it is Ruturaj's turn to seek guidance and trust his instincts.

"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, Shardul Thakur and Pathirana. Now it's a time where Ruturaj has to step in and take the advice and go with the gut feeling he has," the former cricketer concluded.

In the 7th encounter of the IPL 2024 season, last year's finalists, Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans, will be meeting for another competitive battle at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 26 March 2024. The two new captains, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill will be looking to dominate the season upfront.