'Maybe they should have a penalty within the team' - Sunil Gavaskar suggests solution to CSK's extras woes

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) celebrated their return to the MA Chidambaram Stadium with a 12-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday, April 4. Openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway batted magnificently as CSK set a 218-run target for the KL Rahul-led side. English all-rounder Moeen Ali took four wickets as the hosts restricted LSG to 205 for 7 in 20 overs.

The four-time champions' pace bowling, on the other hand, appeared to be off the mark, as they ended up leaking a lot of extras in their second game of the cash-rich league. CSK bowled 12 wides and three no-balls in their match against LSG. Notably, they had also bowled four wides and two no-balls in their first game against the defending champions Gujarat Giants (GT) on March 31.

In this regard, former Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar believes that CSK would benefit from having an internal system in place where bowlers would be penalized for giving an extra.

“Maybe they should have some sort of penalty within the team," Gavaskar said.

Meanwhile, former West Indies bowler Ian Bishop shared an insight on the matter. He stated that he had discussed this with MS Dhoni, and Dhoni had said that Hangargekar bowled well but no-balls were unacceptable.

“We spoke to Dhoni after the last match. He said Rajvardhan Hangargekar did exceptionally well but no-balls are unacceptable," said Bishop.

They’ll have to bowl no no balls and less wides: Dhoni

MS Dhoni said giving extras was intolerable, adding that they should curtail the no balls and wides. He also stated that if they gave away a large number of extras, they would be led by a new skipper.

“They’ll have to bowl no no balls and less wides. We are bowling too many extra deliveries and need to cut them out otherwise they’ll be playing under a new captain," the CSK skipper said during the post-match presentation.

CSK now has two points from their two games this season. On April 8, they will face the five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.