Aakash Chopra says the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) need to get back on track before the IPL playoffs in 2021.
In the Indian Premier League’s current iteration, CSK will play the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their last league stage encounter. They enter the contest having lost their previous two games to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Delhi Capitals (DC).
“Chennai has the chance to win this encounter and if they win, they can confirm their spot in the top two. They have lost two consecutive matches. Do you want to walk into the playoffs with 3 losses? No way.” He observed
“Whatever the team might be, if you keep winning the momentum is maintained, winning is a habit, so is losing. Chennai will have to break their losing streak and today is the last chance as after this it is only the playoffs.” Chopra elaborated
In the IPL 2021 points table, CSK is almost certain to finish in the top two. Only a thrashing by PBKS and the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s annihilation of the Delhi Capitals will prevent them from qualifying for Qualifier 1.
“This is CSK’s last chance to resolve the chinks in their armor. Sam Curran is not there, so Dwayne Bravo will play a hundred percent. But is he giving the hundred percent performance? He does sometimes and not at other times. You are surprised seeing the wides he bowled in the last match.” He said
“Suresh Raina has not scored runs. He didn’t play the last match, he was probably injured but Robin Uthappa also did not score runs. MS Dhoni generally does not send himself up the order but the one time he did, he played the slowest knock of his IPL career. When the openers get out, the problems increase.” He explained
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni’s form will be of great concern to CSK. With a place in Qualifier 1 all but certain, it will be intriguing to see if the partnership chooses to spend more time at the crease in Thursday’s match.
Read more: Aakash Chopra talks about Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021