In the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) bowling department has struggled with discipline and accuracy, leading to concerns about potential consequences for team captain MS Dhoni. Despite putting up high scores while batting first, CSK’s bowlers have been unable to effectively suppress the opposition.
Injuries to key players, such as Deepak Chahar, Mukesh Choudhary, Sisanda Magala, Ben Stokes, and Simarjeet Singh, have left the seam attack thin. However, the most pressing issue has been the bowlers’ tendency to bowl multiple wides and no-balls, which has led to Dhoni, known for his calm demeanor, issuing warnings. Dhoni has urged his bowlers to bowl no no-balls and fewer wides to avoid playing under a new captain.
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag expressed his concerns about the situation, stating that if it continues, Dhoni may face a suspension due to repeated slow over-rate offences. Sehwag emphasized the need for CSK’s bowlers to improve their accuracy and discipline, especially with Dhoni’s knee injury potentially limiting his future appearances.
Tushar Deshpande, the player responsible for the most extras for CSK this season, and spinner Maheesh Theekshana have been criticized for their lack of control. Sehwag, who called CSK’s bowling attack ‘weak,’ warned that if the team does not address these issues quickly, their performance in the tournament could suffer.