IPL: CSK PACER DEEPAK CHAHAR LEAVES FIELD DUE TO INJURY DURING PBKS CLASH

NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings faced a setback as their star pacer, Deepak Chahar, left the field due to injury during their IPL 2024 encounter against Punjab Kings at Chepauk.

Chahar, entrusted with opening the bowling, halted his run-up after the second delivery of the second innings due to discomfort.

Following a brief discussion with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chahar exited the field, leaving Shardul Thakur to complete his unfinished over.

This injury recurrence marks another setback for the 32-year-old, who previously missed a match against Mumbai Indians due to a similar concern earlier in the season.

Earlier CSK's innings witnessed a mix of setbacks and recoveries in their clash against Punjab Kings. Initially slow to gather momentum, openers Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane found their footing, with skipper striking a crucial four off Arshdeep Singh's third ball.

Their partnership flourished, with Gaikwad and Rahane hammering Arshdeep for 14 runs and Sam Curran for 18 runs, propelling CSK to 55/0 at the end of the powerplay.

However, CSK suffered setbacks in the 9th over, losing Rahane and Shivam Dube to Harpreet Brar. The wickets continued to fall, with star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja departing early, courtesy of Rahul Chahar. Despite some wayward bowling from Harshal Patel in the 15th over, CSK's momentum remained intact.

Gaikwad, the standout performer, accelerated to his half-century in 44 balls, including a stunning six that amassed 20 runs. However, his departure for 62 off Arshdeep Singh's bowling in the 16th over halted CSK's surge.

In the final overs, Punjab Kings' bowlers managed to contain CSK, with Chahar removing Moeen Ali for 15 runs. Amidst the ebb and flow, the Chennai crowd erupted in cheers as the iconic MS Dhoni entered the crease, immediately making his presence felt with a boundary and a six, steering CSK to a respectable total of 162/7 in 20 overs.

(With ANI inputs)