CSK vs KKR IPL 2024: Will Chennai Super Kings Persist With Mukesh Choudhary or Bring in Shardul Thakur?

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Chennai Super Kings may have a selection dilemma in terms of Indian pace bowling options for the clash against Kolkata Knight Riders in match 22 of IPL 2024 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday (April 8).

While Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande have been part of the CSK pace bowling attack in all the four matches so far this season, the defending champions have completed the unit with Matheesha Pathirana and Mustafizur Rahman in three of those four games.

With both Pathirana and Mustafizur missing in the last match, CSK handed Mukesh Choudhary his first match for the franchise since 2022 after the left-arm pacer missed last season due to injury.

Choudhary, who had claimed 16 wickets in his debut season for CSK, failed to deliver on his return to action for the club in the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The left-arm pacer conceded 27 runs in his only over in Hyderabad.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's side also have Shardul Thakur in their squad for the season after bringing back the pacer in the auction by splashing Rs 4 Crore. However, the Indian pacer, who had won the title with CSK in 2018 and 2021, is yet to play for the team this season.

CSK preferred Mukesh in the SRH fixture as he gives the left arm option which was missing due to Mustafizur's absence. But, used him for just one over in the match. So, will CSK persist with the Maharashtra pacer or make a change?

Will Shardul Thakur play for CSK vs KKR in IPL 2024 Match 22?

The Indian pacer has a great chance to make his maiden appearance on his second coming to CSK, but that will depend on the availibilty of the two overseas options in Pathirana and Mustafizur.

If both Pathirana and Mustafizur are not ready for tonight's match, Shardul, who has 12 wickets in 10 matches against KKR, may get a chance. Also, Shardul could play in place of Tushar Deshpande, who is yet to replicate his last season's form.

Deshpande, who is the teammate of Thakur in the domestic set up, has claimed just two wickets in four outing so far, but has been a little better when it comes to economy rate. Both Thakur and Deshpande can be expensive at times.

So, CSK may prefer not to play the two Mumbai pacers together. However, if it comes down to Mukesh Choudhary or Shardul, then the Mumbai all-rounder may get his first start tonight.