Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to face off against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a highly anticipated match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. With CSK currently leading the IPL 2023 points table, former India spinner Murali Kartik has suggested some changes to their lineup ahead of the game.
Kartik praised young seamer Matheesha Pathirana, stating that he has been bowling effectively at the death and is doing well under the leadership of CSK skipper MS Dhoni. He even went on to say that Dhoni uses him like a remote control and the bowler is doing whatever the captain wants.
“Mitchell Santner could replace Theekshana if he does at all. Pathirana is a seam bowler, he bowls really well in death overs. He’s emerging really well under MS Dhoni. Dhoni uses him like a remote control, and Pathirana does what Dhoni wants. So, I won’t replace Pathirana,” Kartik told Cricbuzz.
Kartik also pointed out that seam bowling is a weak link for the four-time IPL champions and praised young bowler Akash Singh for performing well so far this season. However, he believes there is no better batter among bowlers than Santner and wants the Kiwi to be included in the lineup. Kartik did, however, agree that Dhoni views the game differently and may have a different approach.
“Seam bowling is a weak link for CSK. Akash Singh has done well, he bowled four back-to-back overs in the previous game. From the first day, I’ve been saying that Mitchell Santner bowls good against any batter in any situation. There’s no better batter among bowlers than Santner. And he’s a gun fielder, his arm movement is brilliant. So, for me, there’s a case for his inclusion. But then, MS looks at the game differently,” he added
Precisely, ahead of the CSK vs RR match, Murali Kartik has suggested that Matheesha Pathirana should retain his place in the lineup and Mitchell Santner should replace Maheesh Theekshana. He also praised young bowler Akash Singh and highlighted seam bowling as a weak link for CSK.
