MI vs CSK, IPL 2024: Will Pathirana, Rahane & Chahar Play For Chennai Super Kings Against Mumbai Indians?

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will look to field their strongest possible side when they face fellow five-time champions Mumbai Indians in match 29 of IPL 2024 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday (April 14).

Earlier in the week, CSK missed the services of pacers Matheesha Pathirana and Deepak Chahar in the victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in their last outing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

While Pathirana was rested as precaution on the back of an hamstring injury he picked up on international duty last month, Chahar was ruled out of the clash against KKR with a niggle as revealed by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad at the toss.

Apart from the two pacers, CSK were also dealt another blow in terms of injury during the 7-wicket victory over KKR as star batter Ajinkya Rahane suffered a sprain when fielding and did not come out to bat in the run chase.

CSK will be hopeful for the trio to be available for clash against MI, which is dubbed as the El Clasico of the Indian Premier League. But have all three of them passed fit for the game tonight?

Will Ajinkya Rahane play for CSK against MI in IPL 2024 Match 29?

Skipper Gaikwad had revealed that Rahane's injury is a minor one during the post-match presentation on April 8. The star batter has also been seen being involved in practice. So, he should be fit and available for the clash against MI.

Will Deepak Chahar return to the CSK playing 11 vs MI in IPL 2024 Match 29?

The pacer, who has been injury prone in the past, missed CSK's last game through a niggle. However, Chahar too was pictured along with the rest of his teammates in Mumbai.

Although the right-arm pacer wasn't seen bowling in any of the pictures, he is likely to be available for tonight's match. So, Chahar will come into the side to replace Shardul Thakur if fully fit.

Will Matheesha Pathirana play for Chennai Super Kings against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024 Match 29?

The Sri Lankan pacer has missed at least four of the six outings so far this season with two of his appearances also coming as an Impact player. He could be an ideal weapon at the Wankhede Stadium, but CSK may be cautious with bringing him back into action.

Head coach Stephen Fleming revealed that Pathirana is nearing match fitness but don't want to rush him back in the clash against Mumbai Indians.

"It wasn't as bad as what we had thought, so we are very hopeful that if not tomorrow, then very close," Fleming said on the eve of the match. "We know the importance of him in games like this, but we will make sure he is 100% in this form."

So, Pathirana is likely to spend another match on the sidelines with his compatriot Maheesh Theekshana or New Zealand's Mitchell Santner or England's Moeen Ali likely to take the fourth overseas player's spot.