The latest edition of the money-rich T20 league, IPL, was off to a spectacular start with an elaborate opening ceremony that delighted the crowd and an even more delightful encounter between rivals Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Although CSK’s batters dazzled with timely innings in a classic chase to clinch the win, much credit has to be attributed to the bowlers who were pivotal in restricting the Bengaluru side to a formidable score.
And one who shone the brightest was none other than Mustafizur Rahman, who introduced himself to the ‘Anbuden’ Chennai faithful in the most memorable way possible, as the Bangladesh pacer scalped a voracious four-for in his debut for the Chennai Super Kings.
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The Bangladesh pacer registered figures of 4/29 in 4 overs on his debut and was pivotal in turning the tide around for CSK, after RCB got off to a fiery start.
And Mustafizur’s efforts caught the eye of former India international and ex-CSK bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji who heaped praised on the Bangladesh pacer.
Speaking at ‘Star Sports Press Room’, L Balaji expounded on the bowling attack of CSK, and the variety of choices CSK skipper Gaikwad has to choose from when the chips are stacked.
“Obviously, for a new entrant like Mustafizur to perform on the very first game was phenomenal. But what Pathirana did was he provided the cushion CSK wanted for a long time especially after Bravo because Bravo used to provide that cushion during the death overs to CSK,” stated Balaji.
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“Pathirana straightaway got fit into that role and it probably depends on how well new ball bowlers bowl according to that, probably Pathirana might have to wait. Because Mustafizur can bowl in the death and in the start as well. So probably in that aspect I feel it’s a good headache to have when you have a fit Pathirana into the side and apart from that.”
Balaji also talked about the importance of Ruturaj Gaikwad understanding how to read the game and make decisions accordingly. But, with veteran skipper MS Dhoni by his side, Balaji believes that the youngster will develop the skill with time.
I think it’s the captain who has to have the trust and also kind of comfort with the bowler’s perspective. So Ruturaj will have to get some understanding and time. We have seen what MS Dhoni did with Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur and Pathirana now it’s a time where Ruturaj has to step in and take the take the advice and go with gut feeling he has.”
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