IPL 2023: Left-arm pacer Akash Singh replaces injured Mukesh Choudhary in Chennai Super Kings' squad

Akash represented India in the 2020 U19 World Cup.

Chennai Super Kings have roped in former India U19 pacer Akash Singh right ahead of their season 16 opener against Gujarat Titans on Friday, March 31 as the official replacement of their left-armer Mukesh Choudhary. Mukesh has been ruled out of the upcoming edition due to a back injury.

Akash was impressive with his ability to handle the new ball for India during the U19 World Cup 2020 in South Africa. Bowling alongside Sushant Mishra and Kartik Tyagi, Akash picked up seven wickets in six matches at a remarkable economy rate of 3.81 and an average of 22.00.

Akash has already got a taste of the IPL as he was previously in the Rajasthan Royals camp but couldn't get a game. He has shown a lot of promise in his fairly young career and will hope that he gets some game time in the forthcoming edition while playing for Super Kings.

Will Akash be the answer to CSK's death bowling woes?

Super Kings have a fairly strong outfit keeping into consideration that they will be playing in their own backyard this season with the spin-friendly surface of Chepauk coming into play.

They have some world-class spinners in their ranks including the likes of Maheesh Theekshana, Moeen Ali, Mitchell Santner, and Ravindra Jadeja among others. Their presence will ease things out for skipper MS Dhoni during the middle overs but the death overs might haunt them.

CSK do not have a good death bowler in their arsenal and with Ben Stokes not likely to bowl, it might hamper CSK's chances in the longer run. Deepak Chahar will bowl will the new ball up front and given the way he has been used by Dhoni in the past it is likely that he will primarily be bowling in the powerplay to provide early breakthroughs for the side.

CSK also have Sisanda Magala who is the replacement of Kyle Jamieson and is known for his death bowling ability in the South African domestic circuit.

CricTracker Desk

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