PBKS vs CSK IPL 2024: Will Pathirana & Theekshana Play For Chennai Super Kings Against Punjab Kings?

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Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will look to ring the changes as they aim for revenge and a way back into the top four when they face Punjab Kings in IPL 2024 match 53 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday (May 5).

Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK, who were hit by injury and fitness, suffered a 7-wicket loss to the PBKS earlier in the week at their Den - MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

CSK started the match against PBKS without the services of Sri Lankan duo Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana as well as another top performing bowling in Tushar Deshpande, while they also lost Deepak Chahar just after two deliveries.

Pathirana missed the last match due to a niggle as revealed by skipper Gaikwad at the toss, but there were reports that the young pacer had also been busy along with compatriot Theekshana sorting out their Visas for the T20 World Cup 2024.

With 10 points from 10 matches, the reigning champions will definitely be without Chahar and Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who has also flown back home for international assignment. So, CSK will be forced to tinker their playing 11 again.

How will the Yellow Brigade line up against Punjab Kings as they look to stop a 5-match losing streak against the Punjab-based side? Is Pathirana and Theekshana available? Who will replace Chahar?

Will Pathirana and Theekshana play for Chennai Super Kings against Punjab Kings?

The Sri Lankan pair seem to have travelled to Dharamsala to link up with the CSK squad following the completion of their Visa formalities as hinted by Pathirana himself via social media a day ahead of their clash vs PBKS.

The franchise also confirmed the duo's arrival in time for the crucial match as CSK look to get back in the top four on the IPL 2024 points table. But if both players feature is still unclear with the batting also needing to be addressed.

Pathirana if fit will walk into the side as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, but Theekshana will get a chance only if CSK decide to drop Richard Gleeson or Moeen Ali. The Sri Lankan off-spinner could also be considered in place of Daryl Mitchell, who was not utilized well in the last match.

If Deshpande is fit, he is likely to replace injured Chahar in the line up with Mukesh Choudhary also likely to being looked at as a left-arm pace option. Both Deshpande and Choudhary could come into the 11, replacing Gleeson and Thakur.

Rachin Ravindra also may be back in the conversation for an opening slot after Ajinkya Rahane struggles to make any telling contribution like last season. Ravindra may replace Ali if CSK opt for Theekshana in the 11.

So, CSK may bring in Pathirana to replace Mustafizur, directly into the 11 or use the young pacer as an impact player. They could bring Deshpande as Chahar's replacement, and also bring Choudhary in to replace Thakur to add that left-arm option.