IPL 2022: 3 changes CSK can make after defeat to KKR

It wasn’t the best of starts for the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they suffered a six-wicket defeat at the hands of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the season opener of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. The four-time winners were let down by their batters as the side could only post 131/5 while batting first at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

There were certainly some positives as MS Dhoni slammed an IPL fifty for the first time since the 2019 season. New skipper Ravindra Jadeja also did decently with both bat and the ball. However, collectively, it was a disappointing show and the yellow army would want to make an emphatic comeback. Notably, CSK will next meet KL Rahul’s Lucknow Super Giants at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on March 31.

CSK certainly need to introspect their performance and make some changes as they probably didn’t field their best line-up in the opening game. That was evident as Shreyas Iyer’s KKR got the better of them pretty comfortably. The sailing wasn’t really smooth for the Knight Riders though as CSK put up a commendable fight while defending a low score. However, the two-time winners eventually crossed the line with nine balls to spare, clinching the game by six wickets.

Meanwhile, let’s look at three changes CSK can make in their line-up for the LSG game:

In – Mooen Ali, Out – Mitchell Santner

Owing to the bio-bubble norms, Moeen Ali wasn’t available for the KKR clash but he is all but likely to feature in CSK’s next assignment. The England all-rounder performed exceptionally well last season and played an instrumental role in taking CSK to glory. Mitchell Santner would make way for Moeen as the New Zealand all-rounder couldn’t do much against KKR. While the left-arm spinner did pick up an important wicket of Ajinkya Rahane, it won’t keep Moeen on the benches.

In – Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Out – Tushar Deshpande  

Many eyebrows were raised when Tushar Deshpande got a nod ahead of Rajvardhan Hangargekar for the opening clash. The former could not make much use of the opportunity as he went wicket-less alongside conceding 23 runs in three overs. Hangargekar, who was instrumental in taking India to the Under-19 World Cup title earlier this year, can clock good speeds alongside wielding the willow to good effect.

In – Chris Jordan, Out – Adam Milne

As CSK couldn’t put enough runs on the board, there would be an emphasis on enhancing the batting line-up. Owing to the same, Chris Jordan can come in for Adam Milne, who went wicket-less and conceded 19 runs in 2.3 overs. Milne might have the pace but Jordan can be handy with his variations. He can also score some handy runs lower down the order.