After eagerly waiting for a year, the much-anticipated IPL 2024 is returning to India, starting on March 22. Cricket enthusiasts are gearing up for another exhilarating two-month T20 extravaganza. The opening match will feature Chennai Super Kings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The Yellow Army, led by Chennai Super Kings, is prepared to dominate yet another season, bringing excitement and anticipation to fans across the country.
The Chennai Super Kings’ batting lineup appears strong following the IPL 2024 auction. However, in IPL 2023, MS Dhoni faced challenges with the bowling unit due to injuries and poor form among key bowlers. In the upcoming season, Dhoni will have a wider selection of bowlers to choose from, including Shardul Thakur Mustafizur Rahman, and some other big names. In this article, we will explore three bowlers of CSK to watch out for in IPL 2024.
Maheesh Theeksana:
In Sri Lankan cricket, Maheesh Theeksana is a big name. After contributing there, CSK acquired Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana for INR 70 lakhs in the IPL 2022 auction, adding depth to their bowling lineup. Even after having some great names in the bowling department, CSK opted for him and he didn’t disappoint the management.
Despite CSK already having spinners like Moeen Ali, Mitchell Santner, and Ravindra Jadeja, Theekshana’s unique fastish finger spin added a new dynamic to their bowling attack. MS Dhoni strategically utilized him with the new ball and in death overs, where the Sri Lankan spinner excelled. With 12 and 11 wickets in IPL 2022 and 2023 respectively, Theekshana played a crucial role in CSK’s title win in 2023. His impressive economy rate and bowling figures make him a standout performer.
Deepak Chahar:
The next name is Deepak Chahar. The bowler is an old member of the franchise but he is exceptionally talented. This bowler has struggled with injuries in the previous two seasons. Deepak Chahar couldn’t play in IPL 2022 because of a back injury. In IPL 2023, he missed several games due to a hamstring injury.
Deepak Chahar played 10 games in IPL 2023, taking 13 wickets with a best of 3/22. In his IPL career of 73 matches, he has 72 wickets, with a best of 4/13 and an economy of 7.93. Chahar is recognized for his swing bowling in white-ball cricket. His standout performance in IPL 2023 includes 13 wickets in 10 matches, with his best figures being 3/22, showcasing his effectiveness with the ball. His promising performances made him a player worthy to watch in IPL 2024.
Tushar Deshpande:
The third name is Tushar Deshpande. This is a very familiar name in the Mumbai domestic side. Chennai Super Kings purchased him in the IPL 2022 auction and fielded him in two games, where he took only one wicket. But his feat changed in the IPl 2023. The cricket world witnessed a different version of him.
The medium-pacer for CSK took 21 wickets in 16 matches during IPL 2023. Baters often struggle against his swing bowling. With an economy of 9.92 and a strike rate of 16.23, his best bowling figures were 3/45. Deshpande’s strong performance led him to become the leading wicket-taker for CSK in the tournament, playing a vital role in their title victory. His ability to take wickets consistently made him a key player for the team.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
