Irfan Pathan Picks Faf du Plessis' Replacement For Chennai Super Kings Ahead Of IPL 2022

Irfan Pathan feels Chennai Super Kings can rely on an overseas batter as an opener and hence they acquired hard-hitting Kiwi batter, Devon Conway, in the IPL 2022 mega auction.

New Delhi: The right team composition, putting together a perfect XI on the field is one of the major challenges defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faces ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Moreover, fast bowler Deepak Chahar's injury has put CSK in a spot of bother.

Veteran batter Faf du Plessis' exit from the Chennai IPL team has raised the big question -- who will replace the senior player in the team. Plessis was arguably the most dependable opening batter in CSK. Reacting to the ongoing debate, ex-India all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared his opinion on which player can replace du Plessis.

READ | Numbers Are Part Of Journey, Not Final Destination: Veteran Spinner R Ashwin

Pathan feels Chennai Super Kings can rely on an overseas batter as an opener. The cricketer-turned-commentator suggested name of hard-hitting Kiwi batter, Devon Conway, who was bought by CSK in the IPL 2022 mega auction.

The franchise had bought Conway for INR 1 crore. He will make his IPL debut this season. Talking on Star Sports show 'Game Plan', Irfan Pathan said that the playing conditions in Maharashtra will suit Conway. Pathan also said if CSK don't play Conway then they can go with Robin Uthappa as he has been a fantastic opener as well.

“They have two options. Of course New Zealand opener Devon Conway is there. That gives you a little comfort as well. The pitches in Maharashtra, at Wankhede and CCI are good pitches, the ones you play in overseas Conway looks very comfortable in that. But if you don't play Conway then you go with Robin Uthappa. He has been a fantastic opener as well,” he said.

“If Conway doesn't play and Uthappa opens then you will get a chance to play Maheesh Theekshana from the start. Obviously you need to play other overseas guys like Adam Milne because you need that extra pace in Maharashtra pitches. You have Bravo, you are going to play Moeen Ali. So all four slots will be filled. But if Conway doesn't play then Mahesh Theekshana, the mystery spinner, will come into play,” he explained.