Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes CSK all-rounder Ben Stokes will not find a place in the playing XI even if he is fit as there are enough overseas options in their lineup. Chennai Super Kings will be boosted by the arrival of their Sri Lankan duo Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana for their clash against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday.
The four-time champions are coming into the contest with a back-to-back win against their arch-rivals Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants. Cricket-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra previewed the match between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
“Chennai didn’t have Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes in the last match. It won’t make a huge difference whether Ben Stokes will be there or not. I don’t see Ben Stokes playing even if he is available, that’s also a possibility,” Aakash Chopra said in a video, shared on his YouTube channel.
Aakash Chopra believes it necessary to play Moeen Ali at Chepauk. Ali bowled exceptionally well in their 1st home game against Lucknow Super Giants–bagging 4 wickets for just 26 runs from his 4 overs. Chopra also added that CSK might be tempted to bring in Maheesh Theekshana in place of South African pacer Sisanda Magala to strengthen their bowling department.
“However, it might not work out without Moeen Ali here. Moeen Ali must be fit to play here, that’s what I feel. Maheesh Theekshana is also available. He is coming here after bowling extremely economically in New Zealand. So you would expect him to replace Sisanda Magala in the team”.
Chennai Super Kings missed out on the services of English all-rounder Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali for the match against Mumbai Indians, but the team did brilliantly well to win the match comfortably by 7 wickets with 11 balls to spare.
I Feel They Should Play Dwaine Pretorius On This Ground – Aakash Chopra
Besides, Chopra reckons that they might go with South African all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius to strengthen their death bowling as they will be without the services of Deepak Chahar, who will miss out due to a hamstring injury.
Chopra also added Santner’s inclusion will depend on Moeen Ali’s fitness as he can contribute both with the bat and ball.
“So Dwaine Pretorius and Maheesh Theekshana, and Devon Conway at the top. Whether Mitchell Santner plays will depend on Moeen Ali’s fitness and whether they want to play Maheesh Theekshana or not. I feel they should play Dwaine Pretorius on this ground for sure because the fast-bowling situation is slightly tight,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
Owing to an important match against inaugural champions–Rajasthan Royals, MS Dhoni will lead the four-time champions in his 200th match as captain of CSK. The stalwart has led the Chennai-based franchise to lift four titles during his leadership.