Deepak Chahar and Ravindra Jadeja, CSK's Failing Pillars

The Chennai Super Kings have been unable to get going this season. Be it with bat or ball, the side has some glaring holes. The game against Lucknow was evidence of such holes. Deepak Chahar, CSK’s new ball star, looks like a pale shadow of himself. Once a bowler who could make even the slightest bit of swing look menacing, Deepak Chahar has been easy pickings with his light medium-pacers going straight into the batters hitting arcs.

His fielding, which was criticized by MS Dhoni himself last season, seems to be worsening. Deepak Chahar has failed to meet expectations, with minimal cricket between seasons due to rehab and injury. Early wickets are missing for the Super Kings, which has made it more challenging for the spinners to choke the runs with set batters carrying on through the innings.

The other bowlers are struggling as well, with Pathirana being an exception. Deepak Chahar, though, was seen as the leader of the attack and could be seen as the point of struggle. In CSK’s more successful seasons, he would lead the way with his early spells, often bowling three or even four of his overs straight away and walking back with a couple of wickets. The pitches have been flat and without swing to take his only weapon away, but Chahar has made things worse with his failing accuracy and length.

With Sunrisers looming, he could be in trouble. The Sunrisers openers enjoy the new ball, making new powerplay records each game with the bat. However, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma have shown signs of struggling when the ball swings or spins early. If Deepak Chahar finds some swing, we could see an exciting match-up. The lack of swing, though, could see the duo play around with him early on, as they have feasted on medium pace in the opening overs.

Another huge concern for CSK this season has been Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja has not performed alarmingly severely and has had his challenges, but concerns and questions remain. With the bat, he has been backed to number four this season. Over the last five years, Ravindra Jadeja has consistently shown he is a capable batter. His first try at number four worked with Jadeja getting a 50, but his overall strike rate against spin led to wonders on his presence at four. Jadeja strikes well against pace and has often cleared the fence in the death against pacers.

Spin, though, has been a concern in the past, and it showed in Lucknow with Jadeja going at a sub-100 strike rate in the last game. With the ball, Jadeja has not been as penetrative. He continues to rush batters, but three wicketless games at Chepauk are bound to raise concerns. Dew and the Chepauk pitch are strong causes for his numbers, though. His overall economy rate remains good, but Jadeja, probably the most important player in the CSK line-up, is still not creating the kind of impact CSK needs from their premier player.

Can he deal with the batting promotion? Can he make a mark in Chepauk when the track does not support him? These are a couple of questions that he has ahead. Throughout his career, Ravindra Jadeja has answered his haters on a lot of occasions.

He has some more questions to answer now. With CSK’s tournament in the balance, Jadeja needs to find a way though to inspire and be the best once again. His numbers against SRH are pretty good. Even a little purchase from the pitch could see him enjoy the next game. SRH is in good form themselves, though, and his battle with some big hitters on the other side will be very fun to watch.