IPL 2022: CSK are missing Faf du Plessis in their batting order – Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer reckons Chennai Super Kings are missing Faf du Plessis in their batting order in the ongoing season of the IPL 2022.

Faf was magnificent for the defending champions as he had amassed 633 runs in 16 matches at an average of 45.21 and thus he had played a key role in giving good starts to the franchise along with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had bagged the Orange Cap after scoring 635 runs in 16 games.

Consequently, both of these batters played an instrumental role in giving a solid start to their team. As CSK mostly got off to a good start, the middle-order batters played with more freedom and thus they managed to win most of their games.

CSK didn’t retain Faf du Plessis and he was bagged by RCB in the IPL mega auction. But in the ongoing season, Robin Uthappa and Ruturaj Gaikwad have failed to provide them with good starts as the latter has struggled to get going.

“Du Plessis did a wonderful job with Gaikwad because of which their three, four, and five could bat freely and that is not happening this year. That is why they are not able to put up the total they want to put and help their bowling defend their total,” Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo.

On the other hand, CSK broke the bank for Deepak Chahar as he was roped in for INR 14 crores in the IPL mega auction. However, the swing fast bowler was ruled out for the major part of the tournament due to a hamstring injury, which has been a big blow for the reigning champions.

Chahar, who is well known to swing the ball both ways, used to provide early breakthroughs for the team. But since he has been injured, CSK has relied on the inexperienced duo of Tushar Deshpande and Mukesh Choudhary.

“They miss a wicket-taker in the powerplay. Plus, Ruturaj and Uthappa not scoring. If one of your top four does not bat for 14 or 15 overs it’s going to be very hard,” he further added.

CSK has got off to a terrible start as they have lost their first four matches, which has happened for the first time in the tournament history. With 10 matches remaining in the league stage for CSK, they will have their work cut out to qualify for the playoff stages.