SRH vs CSK: Why Chennai Super Kings must play Shardul Thakur Today

Chennai Super Kings are up against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 18 of IPL 2024 Today (Friday, April 5) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

After the defeat against Delhi Capitals in the match, Ruturaj Gaikwad and his troops will be aiming to get back to winning ways promptly. It is going to be an important encounter for CSK who are among the playoff spots and would like to consolidate their place at about the top half of the points table.

Ahead of the match, CSK are dealt with an issue as their top bowler Mustafizur Rahman won't be available for this match. The Bangladeshi pacer has flown to his country for the processing of USA visa, and thus is not going to be involved in today's match. Although we may see a different foreigner playing instead of Mustafizur, CSK can bridge the void of the pacer with Shardul Thakur.

CSK bought Shardul Thakur at a price of Rs 4 crore, but he hasn't featured for them thus far. The Indian all-rounder is known for his wicket-taking abilities but hasn't found any game time yet.

The sudden unavailability of Mustafizur may open the door for him, and as far as we can say, it is the right door at the right moment. Shardul Thakur would be looking forward to playing his first match for CSK this season, but the Super Kings also need the all-rounder.

SRH vs CSK: Why Shardul Thakur must play today vs SRH?

Shardul Thakur has been an experienced campaigner with loads of IPL experience. He has 89 wickets in 86 IPL matches and the majority have come in his previous stint with the Chennai Super Kings.

And as CSK play SRH today, Shardul Thakur would be raring to play his first match for his excellent record with two key SRH batters.

The Indian bowler has done a number on Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen, two heavy scorers for the Sunrisers this season. Thakur has picked up Abhishek twice in 14 balls in the past, conceding just 16 runs in the IPL. The record against Klaasen is even better as the South African has been dismissed by him twice in just 11 balls in the IPL.

Although the Uppal may provide another batting paradise, but Shardul's historical upper hand with the dynamic SRH duo warrants his place in the starting team for CSK today.