IPL 2022 is all set to kickstart from 26th March with a blockbuster opening clash between the defending champions Chennai Super Kings and the runner-up of the previous season Kolkata Knight Riders.
Ahead of the upcoming season, one of the major challenges for CSK is putting the right team composition on-field. While fast bowler Deepak Chahar’s injury has put the Chennai-based franchise in a spot of bother, on the other hand, veteran batter Faf du Plessis’ exit from the team has raised a big question on the team’s opening combination.
Former South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis will be making his IPL captaincy debut in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League as he has been announced as the new captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He was roped in by the franchise for INR 7 crore in the IPL 2022 mega-auction and he has now replaced Virat Kohli as the captain of the team.
However, his exit from CSK has started a big debate over the opening combination for CSK, considering how Plessis was the most dependable opening batter in CSK. Joining the ongoing debate, ex-India all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared his opinion on Faf du Plessis’ replacement.
Irfan Pathan feels CSK can rely on an overseas batter as an opener. He suggested the name of hard-hitting Kiwi batter, Devon Conway, who was roped in by CSK in the IPL 2022 mega-auction.
Speaking on the Star Sports show ‘Game Plan’, Irfan Pathan said that if CSK doesn’t play Conway in IPL 2022 then they can go with Robin Uthappa as he has been a fantastic opener as well. He said:
“They (CSK) have two options. Devon Conway, the New Zealand opener, is there. The pitches in Maharashtra, in Mumbai, at Wankhede and CCI are good, similar to the ones you play on overseas, and Conway appears to be at ease on them.But if you don’t play Conway, then you go with Robin Uthappa. He has been a fantastic opener as well, “
He added: “If Conway doesn’t play and Uthappa opens, then you will get a chance to play Maheesh Theekshana from the start. Obviously, you need to play other overseas players like Adam Milne because you need that extra pace on Maharashtra pitches. You have Bravo. You are going to play Moeen Ali. So, all four slots will be filled. But if Conway doesn’t play, then Mahesh Theekshana, the mystery spinner, will come into play,”
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