IPL 2018: Changes CSK might make for the match against KKR
CSK made a dream comeback to the IPL as they registered a sensational win against Mumbai Indians. Playing the defending champions at their home ground, CSK were down and out before Dwyane Bravo played one of the best innings of his IPL career.
He played some breathtaking shots, single-handedly winning the match for his team. Even though CSK won the match, it was a close call in the end. There were some areas of concern for the side. Bowlers leaked too many runs in the second half of the Mumbai innings, while the batsmen played some irresponsible shots, getting out at the wrong time.
CSK will play their second match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Chennai on Tuesday. We look at 2 changes that they can make for the match.
Sam Billings in place of Mark Wood
Mark Wood had a forgettable IPL debut as he went wicketless and gave away 49 runs in his 4 overs. Wood started well as he gave away just 13 runs in his first two overs, but was taken apart by Krunal Pandya in his last two overs, as the pacer plundered 36 runs.
Wood can be replaced by fellow Englishman, Sam Billings. Billings can bat at any position in the batting order, and will provide stability to the low-on-confidence Chennai batting line-up. Billings can open the innings too, which will allow Ambati Rayudu to play in the middle order, a position at which he has batted for the most part of his career. Though CSK might want to give Wood more chances before dropping him, this change isn't that unlikely.
Shardul Thakur in place of Kedar Jadhav
Kedar Jadhav won the hearts of CSK fans by playing the ramp shot in the tense last over. He had left the field earlier due to a hamstring injury but came out to bat at the fall of Bravo's wicket. In the post-match interview, Jadhav said that he might not play for a couple of weeks which means CSK will lose one of their key players for the match against KKR.
He might be replaced by Shardul Thakur in the playing XI. Thakur was impressive for Rising Pune Supergiant last year. He was then selected for the Indian side, where he impressed everyone with his control over the knuckle balls, bowling in the death overs. If Mark Wood is dropped from the side, Thakur can partner Dwayne Bravo at the death.
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