As IPL 2024 ends, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) must decide which players to keep for IPL 2025. Two key bowlers in their team are Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar. Both have contributed to CSK over the years, but their performances in IPL 2024 were different. BCCI has asked all franchises to submit the retained player list by the end of October 31st, 2024.
Shardul Thakur’s Bowling
Shardul Thakur is known for taking important wickets at crucial moments, but his bowling in IPL 2024 was not up to the mark. He played in 9 matches and took only 5 wickets. His best performance was 2 wickets for 61 runs, which shows that he gave away a lot of runs. His bowling average was 61.80, meaning he gave 61.80 runs for each wicket. This is quite high for a bowler in T20 cricket, where economy and wicket-taking are important.
Deepak Chahar’s Bowling
Deepak Chahar is known for swinging the ball early and picking up wickets in the powerplay. In IPL 2024, Chahar played 8 matches and also took 5 wickets. However, his best bowling was 2 wickets for 28 runs, showing that he was more economical than Shardul. His bowling average was 40.40, which is better than Shardul’s.
2. Batting Performance
Shardul Thakur’s Batting
Shardul Thakur can hit the ball well in the lower order, but his batting in IPL 2024 was limited. He scored just 21 runs in 9 matches, with his highest score being 17. His batting average was 21.00, which shows he didn’t get many opportunities to bat.
Deepak Chahar’s Batting
Deepak Chahar did not make any contributions with the bat in IPL 2024. He did not score any runs, and since he is not known for his batting, this is not surprising. Chahar’s main role in the team is as a bowler, so his batting performance doesn’t affect his value as much as Shardul’s.
3. Fielding and Catching
Shardul Thakur’s Fielding
Fielding is very important in T20 cricket, and Shardul Thakur has been a reliable fielder for CSK. In IPL 2024, he took 4 catches, which shows his quick reflexes and strong fielding skills.
Deepak Chahar’s Fielding
Deepak Chahar did not take any catches in IPL 2024, and his fielding did not stand out this season.
Consistency is key in deciding which players to keep. Shardul Thakur has had great seasons in the past where he took important wickets for CSK. However, IPL 2024 was not one of his best seasons. He struggled with both his bowling and batting. His bowling average of 61.80 is too high for a leading bowler. Even though his fielding was good, it wasn’t enough to make a big difference.
Deepak Chahar has been one of CSK’s most reliable bowlers over the years. Even though IPL 2024 was not his best season, he was still more economical than Shardul and picked up key wickets with the new ball.
Who Chennai Super Kings Retain?
Chennai Super Kings is one of those franchises that are heavily dependent on their all-rounders since the inception of the tournament in IPL 2008. We have seen players like DJ Bravo, Albie Morkel, Justin Kemp, Jason Holder, Scott Styris, Dwayne Smith, Shane Watson etc. Chennai Will look to keep the same rhythm in the team and for that they will keep their eye on Indian all-rounders. Both Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur can hit the ball out of the park, but Shardul keeps an edge over the swing bowler.
Like other teams, Chennai Super Kings will also look to retain their best six players, there might be a chance for one of these players to serve the yellow jersey once again.
