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Ahead of the IPL 2024 clash against the Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings were left without two key bowlers - Matheesha Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande. At the toss, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad's misfortune continued as he once again called it wrong and Sam Curran won the toss. Punjab elected to bowl first and also had a major update of their own.
But for Chennai, Matheesha Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande were ruled out of this clash as the Sri Lankan had picked up a niggle while the Mumbai bowler was unwell, as per Gaikwad. Replacing these two pacers, Chennai picked up Shardul Thakur and Richard Gleeson.
We'll be missing out Pathirana and Deshpande: Ruturaj Gaikwad
Speaking at the toss, Gaikwad said, "We would have fielded first, but we weren't exactly sure. Always tough defending here with a lot of dew, but the fact that we won by 78 runs (against SRH in the last match) shows a lot about the team, but we'll be missing out Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande today. We'll have to get there early and make a good score. Every game is important. Pathirana has a slight niggle, Deshpande isn't well, so we've Shardul and Richard Gleeson makes his debut."
We need to be brave: Sam Curran on facing Chennai Super Kings
Talking about Punjab Kings, Sam Curran revealed that PBKS have fielded the same side from their record chase against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Curran said, "We'll bowl first. Looks like a good surface, new wicket and we're excited after that last match."
"An amazing stadium and an amazing crowd, we'll have to start well and take early wickets. We'll take the confidence from that chase of 261. It's just about fight and determination, they're a good team, but we need to be brave. Same team for us."
