IPL 2018: 6 problems that are plaguing CSK this season

#4 The Fast Bowling Department

Watson remains the lone shining star of CSK fast bowling line-up (courtesy- BCCI)

This has been the Achilles’ heel of the CSK set-up so far this season. CSK faltered heavily in the auction as they could not pick any established Indian fast bowler and that folly has now come back to haunt them. The two Indian pacers to have played so far, Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur, have gone for almost ten runs an over with only four wickets to show in return for that generosity. The CSK set up really needs to ponder whether they want to continue with Chahar and Thakur or give the young Kerala pacer, KM Asif a chance in place of either one of the two.

Mark Wood made the cut in the starting XI in the opening match but fared very poorly as he conceded 49 runs off his four overs. He was later replaced by Sam Billings in the squad for the second game. Their recent injury replacement, David Willey provides a good all-round option but including him means compromising on Imran Tahir.

But if CSK decides to drop Tahir, they can give more balance to their side with Willey, Thakur/Chahar, and Asif as primary seam bowling options with useful support from Bravo and Watson.