PBKS vs CSK: Deepak Chahar doesn't look good; Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Mustafizur Rahman leave for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, confirms Stephen Fleming

Updated - 15 May 2024, 12:17 PM

Stephen Fleming and Deepak Chahar
Stephen Fleming and Deepak Chahar (Image Credits: Twitter)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming stated that Deepak Chahar does not look good following his injury during the match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS). Stephen Fleming also confirmed the departure of Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana to Sri Lanka for the visa process.

The Chennai Super Kings suffered a seven-wicket loss to the Punjab Kings at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday, May 1. It marked their second defeat at home in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The Chennai team is currently in fourth place in the points table despite the loss.

The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team missed crucial players Matheesha Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande. Pathirana was sidelined from the match due to a niggle, while Deshpande was not part of the playing XI due to illness. To make matters worse, Deepak Chahar walked off the field after bowling two deliveries.

Deepak Chahar Doesn't Look Good - Stephen Fleming

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Stephen Fleming stated that Deepak Chahar's condition wasn't great, and they are awaiting further updates from the medical team. Fleming hoped for Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana to return before their next match.

"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. So we are hoping that their process is smooth. And we get them back for our next game up north (at Dharamshala)," Stephen Fleming said.

Chennai will take on the Punjab Kings in their next match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday, May 5. The upcoming match will be crucial for CSK to increase their chances of qualifying for the playoffs. They must win three out of their next four matches in the IPL 2024.

Tushar Deshpande got flu - Stephen Fleming

Stephen Fleming stated that they were forced to make changes to their lineup. The former New Zealand skipper stated that they are adjusting the team's game plan within a limited time.

"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 added.

Chennai posted a below-par total of 162/7 after being asked to bat first. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane added a 64-run opening partnership. However, the batters struggled to score against Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar. Ruturaj scored 62 runs off 48 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes.

The Sam Curran-led team chased down a target with 13 balls to spare. Jonny Bairstow scored 46 runs off 30 balls with the help of 7 fours and 1 six. Rilee Rossouw added 43 off 23 balls, including 5 boundaries and 2 sixes. Harpreet Brar was named 'Player of the Match' for his 2/17 in four overs.

Also read: T20 World Cup 2024: Sunil Gavaskar feels T Natarajan 'could have been in the team' in place of this player

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