Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Cheteshwar Pujara is “quite surprised” at Stephen Fleming’s remark that CSK have had “no home advantage” at Chepauk. Pujara believes that traditionally, CSK have always ensured that pitches are prepared according to their strengths. However, he acknowledged that Friday’s pitch in the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) behaved differently in both innings, favoring spinners more in the second half.
“It is [surprising] because at CSK you can’t complain, it’s one franchise where they’ve been preparing pitches according to their strengths,” Pujara said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show after CSK suffered a 50-run defeat to RCB, their biggest home loss.
“You should [use home advantage]; if he’s saying that [there is no home advantage] and they don’t have a say, then I’m quite surprised. If you speak about MI, CSK, KKR – I don’t think that’s the case [them not getting pitches they ask for]. Any other franchise, I can still understand. Those [three] franchises make sure they get what they want. Their strength has been when they play at home.”
CSK’s Batting Concerns and Dhoni’s Role
One of the biggest talking points in CSK’s chase was their decision to send Sam Curran ahead of Shivam Dube and R Ashwin ahead of MS Dhoni. Dhoni, who batted at No. 9, managed 30 off 16 balls, including two sixes and a four in the final over bowled by Krunal Pandya.
“There is a lot of concern [in the batting line-up outside of Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad] because their middle order will have to click at some point,” Pujara said. “They rely heavily on their middle order. When the top order fails, the middle order has to step up, and right now, it doesn’t seem completely ready for it. They need better surfaces to regain form, and once they play at home again, they should perform better.”
Pujara emphasized that beyond the loss, the manner of defeat was concerning. “There’s a lot to learn for CSK,” he said. “If you’re a CSK fan, you’d really be disappointed today. Losing is part of the game, but the way they lost this match will leave dents in the dressing room.”
Nick Knight: ‘Conway for Curran and Dube Batting Higher’
Former England opener Nick Knight criticized CSK for disrupting a “tried-and-tested” opening pair by separating Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway. Conway, who had a stellar 2023 season, was left out in favor of Rahul Tripathi at the top.
“In my top order, I’d have Devon Conway. I’m surprised he’s not playing,” Knight said. “I’d play both of them [Conway and Rachin]. I’m going to leave Sam Curran out. Gaikwad and Conway at the top is a proven combination. Rachin can bat at No. 3, and you work down from there. The only challenge is that Dhoni may have to bat at No. 7, which he sometimes avoids. But he made 30 off 16 today and effected a brilliant stumping; I’d push for him to bat at No. 7.”
Dube’s Role Needs Rethinking
Knight also pointed out that Shivam Dube’s batting position needs immediate adjustment. Against RCB, Dube batted at No. 6 and managed 19 off 15 balls. Since IPL 2023, he has been one of CSK’s best middle-over hitters against spin, with a strike rate of 169.71.
“Why was Dube not batting higher? I was stunned when he came in behind Curran,” Knight said. “They were already behind in the game. He could have injected some momentum. I saw him dominate the England attack a few months ago in the T20I series. If he can’t do the same in IPL, something is wrong.”
Knight proposed an alternative batting order for CSK: “If you go Conway, Gaikwad, Ravindra, Hooda, Dube, Jadeja, Dhoni – that’s a decent line-up.”
Also Read : Fleming: ‘No Home Advantage at Chepauk’ – CSK’s Struggles with Their Home Pitch Continue
