"Rachin Ravindra can't buy a run at this point in time" - Aakash Chopra on CSK's problems heading into IPL 2024 clash vs LSG

Aakash Chopra has picked Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Rachin Ravindra's recent lean run as one of the franchise's concerns heading into their IPL 2024 clash against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

The two sides will square off at Chepauk in Chennai on Tuesday, April 23. CSK suffered an eight-wicket defeat in the reverse fixture in Lucknow and will want to avenge that loss at their home ground.

Previewing the game in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra opined that underwhelming opening partnerships, and especially Ravindra's indifferent form, is CSK's primary problem.

"Chennai's problem is that opening partnerships are not happening. Unfortunately, their opening hasn't worked properly at all thus far. They have tried a lot of combinations. Their hands are also slightly forced because Ajju's (Ajinkya Rahane) niggle has been a slight problem but Rachin Ravindra can't buy a run at this point in time," he said (8:25).

The former India batter reckons CSK should open with Ajinkya Rahane and Ruturaj Gaikwad, and include Daryl Mitchell in the XI at Ravindra's expense.

"Although Chennai invest and wait, I want them to do something different. Eventually you will do it at some stage - either this match or the next match. If Rachin still doesn't score runs, you will have to make a move. You can get Rahane and Ruturaj to open and then bring Daryl Mitchell in the middle," Chopra observed.

Chopra also urged the defending champions to use Moeen Ali better with both bat and ball.

"If you are playing Moeen Ali, please make him bowl and bat slightly up the order because he can do that. Playing him and not getting him to bat or bowl in the first 10 overs left me a little surprised. However, the opening problem is a big question mark for Team Chennai," he elaborated.

Moeen scored a 20-ball 30 while batting at No. 7 in CSK's previous game against LSG. Although the spin-bowling all-rounder conceded only five runs in his first over, he wasn't given the ball after that.

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"That's not ideal" - Aakash Chopra on CSK playing Ravindra Jadeja as the lone spinner

Ravindra Jadeja has picked up four wickets in seven games in IPL 2024. [P/C: iplt20.com]

Aakash Chopra noted that CSK have primarily relied on Ravindra Jadeja in the spin-bowling department and opined that Moeen Ali could be an able ally for the left-arm spinner against LSG.

"Secondly, I am thinking about a few things that are holding them back. They have only Ravindra Jadeja in spin bowling and they don't have anyone apart from him, and that's not ideal. Moeen Ali picked up four wickets the last time he played at this ground. So I am thinking maybe Moeen Ali could be that guy," he said (9:25).

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that the hosts have been overreliant on Mustafizur Rahman for wickets in the powerplay overs.

"The third thing is that they used to pick up a lot of wickets in the powerplay. However, they are relying more on Mustafizur this year because Deepak Chahar was injured in the middle. Tushar Deshpande is bowling a lot of dot balls but is this team able to pick up as many wickets in the first six overs as they used to?" Chopra stated.

With 11 scalps in six games, Mustafizur is CSK's highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024. Although Matheesha Pathirana has picked up nine wickets in just four matches, the Sri Lankan right-arm seamer is predominantly used in the middle overs and at the death.