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Follow UsChennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have had contrasting starts to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 so far. While CSK surrendered meekly to Delhi Capitals (DC), PBKS survived an onslaught from Sanju Samson and just about got over the line against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their first game.
With CSK and PBKS set to clash at Wankhede, former West Indies captain Brian Lara believes that the Men in Yellow do not have bowlers suited to the conditions in Mumbai as there is not much swing on offer, which their quicks heavily rely on.
“If you look at Chennai Super Kings’ attack, they need the ball to swing. There was no swing on offer (in the previous match). Sam Curran needs swing, (Deepak) Chahar needs Swing and if it’s not on offer, it is a very pedestrian bowling attack,” Lara said in a face-off against Criclytics, Cricket.com’s AI-driven prediction platform.
“I think the attack that CSK have, needs a little bit more punch. To me, I would have (Imran) Tahir in the attack. You have to bring a wicket-taker into that attack. It’s too pedestrian. Even if it is at the expense of Faf du Plessis, I still think Tahir has to play,” he added.
Sticking with CSK, there have been talks about the prospect of having Sam Curran at the top of the order. While Lara feels that it might be a good idea, but not against PBKS’ bowling attack.
“Sam Curran is capable of batting anywhere. He’s got a beautiful technique and a great flow with the bat. When he makes contact, even though he’s a small guy it goes the distance. I’ll be a little bit worried with the fact the fast bowling trio from Punjab Kings – Mohammed Shami, Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith – are pretty impressive and attacking bowlers. So, does he have the technique for that particular attack? I’m not 100 percent sure about that. But it’s something to consider against the right attack,” the batting great said on Cricket.com’s Man vs Machine.
“I don’t believe he should be put there against a strong opening attack. The first 6-8 overs are going to be treacherous for the batsmen against such an attack. I know it’s a batting paradise but these guys are capable of really stepping up the pace and it could be uncomfortable if you don’t have the correct technique to face them,” he further added.
Young left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh has been impressive for PBKS over the last two seasons and in PBKS’ previous match, he was handed the 20th over when RR needed 13 to win, with Samon going all guns blazing. He held his nerve and handed his side a four-run victory. His skipper KL Rahul further instilled confidence in the pacer stating that he looks to Arshdeep to bowl the tough overs.
Lara believes Arshdeep has a bright future ahead of him if he keeps this up. “Not that he has great pace but has a good head on his shoulder and he knows what he’s doing. That’s pretty impressive for a young fast bowler. In this type of cricket where you could be taken apart at any point in time – the world’s best batsmen are in this league – and he is pretty much holding his own. So, I’m very impressed with him and I believe he has got a bright future. A very confident young man as well,” Lara said of Arshdeep.
