Why is Tilak Varma Not Playing Today’s IPL 2023 Match Between MI and CSK in Chennai?

The 49th league match of Indian Premier League 2023 is being played between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Mumbai Indians have made a couple of changes in their Playing XI where batter Tilak Varma is missing the match.

Chennai’s captain MS Dhoni won the toss and he opted to bowl first. Dhoni said that the overcast weather played a part in taking that decision as the DLS method can play a part. He called it a good wicket to bat on and wanted his team to finish well after getting a start in the initial overs. They have made no changes to their team.

“We’ll bowl first. A bit of rain is expected, that’s one reason, looks like a good wicket and we want them to set a target for us,” MS Dhoni told host broadcaster Star Sports at the toss.

Why is Tilak Varma Not Playing Today’s IPL 2023 Match Between MI and CSK in Chennai?

Mumbai’s captain Rohit Sharma informed that the duo of Tilak Varma and Kumar Kartikeya has been replaced by Tristan Stubbs and Raghav Goyal. The readers must note that Varma is out of the match due to illness and he is not on the impact substitutes’ list as well

“Two changes for us – Kumar Kartikeya is OUT, a debut for Raghav Goyal. Tilak Varma is ill, he’s replaced by Tristan Stubbs,” Rohit Sharma told Star Sports.

Varma’s absence can be a thing of worry for the visitors. He has been in brilliant form this season with the bat at the death. Varma has scored 274 runs at an average of 45.66, whereas his strike-rate has been 153.88. He has smashed 21 boundaries and 18 sixes in IPL 2023. 84* has been his highest score.

Stubbs is making just his second appearance of the season. He is also more than capable of scoring quick runs. Stubbs was the most expensive player in SA20 League action where he represented the champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

Raghav Goyal T20 stats

Raghav Goyal is a left-arm orthodox spinner, he is on the substitutes list and is expected to make his debut. He is just 22-year old and has not played a single List-A or First-Class or competitive T20 match in his career.