CSK have lost their last two out of three matches. Although they are all set to qualify for the playoffs, you never know, cricket is a funny game.
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Chennai’s biggest concern is their flat-looking bowling and they would have to improve on it big time to remain in contention for the IPL 2018 trophy.
Also, due to injury to a couple of key players, they have to yet to settle in with an ideal playing XI. Here are five things that CSK can do differently to get back momentum and defeat arch rivals RCB:
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Pick horses for courses
CSK have picked Karn Sharma for the last two games. While he did not bowl at all in the last to last game against DD, he bowled only one over in the game against KKR.
This certainly calls for a rethink on their playing XI. Also, Sam Billings who has already won them a match and is a natural middle order player can be considered.
Improve on their fielding
The last game was shocker as far as the CSK fielding is concerned. One player who got all the limelight for wrong reasons was Ravindra Jadeja who dropped back to back catches off pacer KM Asif.
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Jadeja who was fielding in the infield first dropped a sitter which came to him at a comfortable knee height. Before the fact that their best fielder had just dropped a dolly could sink in, Sunil Narine hit another shot towards Jaddu right on the next ball. Unfortunately, he was once again caught napping.
The team has some old legs but they can certainly come up with a much better fielding performance. The need is to give all they have and come out with 100% commitment on the field.
Rayudu should open the batting
Rayudu has been shuffled across by MSD in the batting order. Although, he has not let this effect his batting, the optimum position for him is at the top of the order.
Rayudu should open the batting for CSK so that he can dictate terms. This would also allow Chennai to create momentum which would then allow MS Dhoni and Co. to come out in the latter part of the innings and just go for it.
Mend death bowling
Dwayne Bravo who was CSK’s chief weapon in the slog overs has lost his golden touch. This season, he has been going for plenty. This is the reason why CSK have leaked so many runs in the last 4 to 5 overs.
Dhoni initially tried Shardul Thakur in the death overs but that move too didn’t seem to have worked. The injury to Deepak Chahar has further increased their concerns. They would have to figure out their trusted options in the last overs if they want to restrict the opposition batsmen.
Bravo ahead of Jaddu in the batting line up
You make a mistake once and forgiveness shall be granted. But CSK are committing the same error again and again which is costing them big time. One fails to understand why Dhoni and CSK are giving such a long rope to Jadeja.
Ravindra Jadeja has been ordinary in this season and has not been able to contribute well either with the bat or the ball. He has had a string of failures and it’s time that he must make way for Bravo in the batting order.
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