Picture Credit: X/IPL
The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday, April 8. Ahead of the 22nd match of IPL 2024, CSK bowling consultant Eric Simons shared an update on the availability of Sri Lanka pacer, Matheesha Pathirana.
Pathirana, who has been CSK’s key pacer, did not feature in the side’s last match against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), which the former lost by six wickets. Speaking ahead of CSK’s match against KKR, Simons said that the pacer’s availability is subject to fitness and will not risk his return to the field.
“While we are optimistic about Pathirana’s progress, his participation will hinge on clearance from the physio. We’re committed to a conservative approach, mindful of the tournament’s duration. We won’t jeopardize multiple matches for the sake of one,” Eric Simons stated on the CSK website.
The CSK consultant also spoke of the team discussions which have taken place after two defeats in a row. “We’ve addressed recent performances and devised strategies during our practice sessions. We’ve dissected match footage, identifying areas for improvement. The IPL demands adaptability, and we’re focused on refining our game plan,” he further remarked.
After two successive defeats, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side are sitting at the fourth place with four points in their kitty. Moreover, Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has also joined the ide after he missed the last match due to a visa issue.
