CSK may look for a guy like Harshal Patel: Irfan Pathan

Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings have been bothered by a lot of injuries in the recent past. Pacers like Deepak Chahar and Matheesa Pathirana are prone to injuries and hence, former cricketer Irfan Pathan believes that the MS Dhoni-led side might look out for an Indian pacer in the auction, which is slated to take place on December 19 in Dubai.

Pathan added that the franchise might look out for Harshal Patel, who RCB have released ahead of the auction. The 33-year-old finished as the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2021 but hasn’t had a good season in the last edition of the competition. He is a death-over specialist and the conditions at Chepauk in Chennai are likely to favour Harshal. Hence, Pathan believes that CSK should sign him in the auction.

“They have a lot of fast bowlers who can get injured regularly, guys like Deepak Chahar. They keep a lot of faith in Deepak Chahar but if he is not fit and available, they can be in a mess. So what they need – maybe a guy like Harshal Patel. Bangalore is not far from there, so just get Harshal Patel with a small ride of five hours, and just get him in CSK,” Pathan said while talking to Star Sports.

Chennai Super Kings will aim to look for a like-to-like replacement for Ben Stokes

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have released England Test skipper Ben Stokes as the all-rounder has decided to take a break during IPL 2024. Ambati Rayudu on the other hand, announced his retirement earlier in the year; hence, the franchise has a lot of money to spend in the auction. The goal will be to sign an all-rounder, who can replace Stokes in the middle order.

The Chennai-born cricketer Shahrukh Khan remains an option as Punjab Kings released him during player retention. Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja are the only all-round options they have currently. Notably, CSK have a purse of INR 31.40 crore to spend in the auction, which is more than seven other franchises.