Former India Batsman Aakash Chopra feels that the spin department of Chennai Super Kings They rely heavily on foreign options with Ravindra Jadeja being the only local spinner. While speaking in his latest YouTube video analyzing the spin departments of each IPL 2024 team, Chopra claimed that CSK might have to pay the price for having only one Indian spinner.
Aakash Chopra stated that Ravindra Jadeja He might feel a little lonely, like last season when he was the only option to take wickets. CSK also have Moeen Ali and Maheesh Theekshana in their side but none of them are as effective in terms of getting wickets. Chopra believes that could be a problem, especially if the Chennai pitch doesn’t turn.
Aakash Chopra praises MS Dhoni for bringing out the best in Jadeja
The 46-year-old expert analyst and commentator praised CSK captain MS Dhoni for his ability to bring out the best in Ravindra Jadeja. The Jamnagar all-rounder has always been key in Dhoni’s plans whether for the franchise or the national team. MSD has played a huge role in Jadeja’s rise and success in the international circuit.
While in terms of economy, Jadeja has been very good with his strike rate of 7.60, he has not always been a serial wicket-taker. The left-hander has experienced inconsistency in terms of picking up wickets, but his inclusion in the team is a must because he provides solidity with the bat.
Last season, Jadeja took 20 wickets for the first time in his IPL career since making his debut in 2008 for the Rajasthan Royals. The previous season (2023), Jadeja had only 5 wickets and that tells how much it costs him to get those wickets. Aakash Chopra did not address that factor but mainly highlighted the lack of local bowlers.
“Chennai has an entire overseas advertising department, except Ravindra Jadeja. If we watch Ravindra Jadeja in T20 cricket, especially in the IPL, Mahi (MS Dhoni) brings out the best in him. He is absolutely brilliant in Chennai when he spins the ball, like he did in the World Cup.”
“They have Maheesh Theekshana, who they surely play and bowl with. They have Moeen Ali, who they play and bowl with. They also have Mitchell Santner, who they play and bowl with. “If they want to play Rachin Ravindra instead of Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra becomes another left-arm spin option.” – Aakash Chopra said in his latest YouTube video.
Chennai Super Kings full squad for IPL 2024
CSK Full Squad: MS Dhoni (c), Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Devon Conway, Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajay Mandal, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Mitchell Santner, Simarjeet Singh , Nishant Sindhu, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman, Avanish Rao Aravelly.
The reigning champions will begin their title defense and attempt to defend the IPL title for the first time since 2010-2011. CSK’s defense will begin with a clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the season opener at Chepauk on March 22. They will then host Gujarat Titans in their second home match before traveling to Delhi and Hyderabad.