Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Eric Simons said on Wednesday that the franchise does not have an immediate like-for-like replacement lined up for Ayush Mhatre, with the availability of captain MS Dhoni still depending on medical clearance and Dhoni’s own assessment of his fitness. Speaking ahead of the team’s IPL match against Mumbai Indians on Thursday, Simons explained that CSK will rely on the players currently in their squad for now after Mhatre was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
CSK injury updates and selection approach
- Eric Simons confirmed that CSK have “no replacements in mind at the moment” for Ayush Mhatre, while emphasising that replacement planning can be finalised later because there is time before the team’s next needs become clearer.
- He added that the immediate priority is to “pull a side” using the resources available within the current squad rather than bringing in changes straight away.
- Simons noted that Dhoni completed a full training session on Tuesday and then spent a significant amount of time in the nets on Wednesday, facing pacers and throwdown specialists, though his match participation would still be subject to further confirmation.
- Regarding Dhoni, Simons said the decision would be made once Dhoni and the medical staff are completely satisfied that he is ready to play, with the team expected to know the situation by Thursday.
- Simons also confirmed that Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson has joined the squad, but he declined to specify when the pacer would be available for selection.
On the bowling group, Simons stated that Anshul Kamboj—who has already taken 13 wickets this season—has in many ways acted as a driving force for CSK’s attack. However, he said Kamboj would not be asked to simply replace what Khaleel Ahmed offered, pointing out that the team’s focus is on preserving what has made Kamboj effective rather than forcing him into a different role.
Simons said the key is to respect the success Kamboj has delivered and not overload him with expectations that could undermine his impact. He stressed that the franchise must instead replace the specific role Khaleel played, particularly across the four overs, and ensure bowlers are prepared for the tactical demands of their assignments.
He further elaborated on CSK’s preparation approach, saying the coaching staff works to ensure players understand which four overs they are expected to bowl, and to prepare them tactically not only during practice sessions but also in the discussions that happen around training.
Simons highlighted Kamboj’s value in the end phase of innings, describing him as someone who has been—and continues to be—seen as a leader of the attack, while stressing that CSK do not want to dilute a strength in an effort to plug a gap elsewhere.
To underline the importance of momentum and timing in batting, Simons cited Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma, who returned to form with a match-winning hundred. He then expressed confidence in CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, noting that Gaikwad has produced only 82 runs across six matches, but believes his breakthrough is within reach.
Simons recalled that Gaikwad had been struggling before producing an outstanding innings, suggesting that the decisive phase often arrives when a player’s breakout moment finally clicks. He referenced Gaikwad scoring 82 runs from the 14th over in that innings, describing how the batter looked in control from very early—stating that he had reached 19 off 22 balls with no one doubting him.
Simons added that neither CSK doubts Gaikwad, nor does Gaikwad doubt himself; for CSK, it is about waiting for that breakout to arrive—whether it comes as a shot that opens things up or a ball that slips through the field and sends the innings into a new gear.
Finally, Simons spoke about coaching philosophy and the importance of letting players be themselves, using Jamie Overton as an example. He said Overton has “found his way,” explaining that every cricketer joining CSK—whether a batter or a bowler—must learn how to succeed in the team’s conditions.
Simons warned that problems start when players try to reinvent themselves to fit a different mould. He suggested that Overton has returned to the version of the player he can be, and that backing his natural style has worked particularly well, adding that CSK has been able to use and shape the technical approach around that confidence.
