There is always that one phase in every IPL season when the decisions made several months ago are brought back into focus. To Chennai Super Kings, it appears that time has come much too soon this year.
The issue is not only the results after two consecutive defeats. It’s about choices.
Ahead of the season, CSK took a risky decision – to support relatively unknown players at significant amounts of money. It was a step that demonstrated faith in possibility as opposed to fame. However, it is already being challenged now with only a few games under its belt.
There was more curiosity than expectation when Kartik Sharma had his chance. The fans were keen to know what the investment entailed. But his excursions have hither been silent,–those that leave questions unanswered, but leave more questions produced.
The case of Prashant Veer has been more confusing. He eventually received a chance and did not make a serious impression. What was more notable was that he was hardly involved particularly in the role that he was chosen to play.
And there the talk is different.
Since currently, players who entered the world with much less hype are quietly performing their duties. Ayush Mhatre appeared self-confident, calm, and prepared to the moment. Sarfaraz Khan entered and immediately made a splash with quick turns. None of the noise, none of the pressure, merely performance.
It is this contrast that makes things interesting.
It does not involve the evaluation of players after a single or two games. It is a matter of the rapid change of expectations when the consequences of large decisions are not followed. Price tags cause pressure in a league such as in the IPL, and the initial performances either warrant them or come under scrutiny.
CSK have established their history of intelligent planning and faith in players. However, now it seems that they could have made a larger bet than they typically do.
Naturally, the season is lengthy. Everything is quick to change. A single good match can turn the story upside down.
But at present, it does not matter only about losing games.
It is whether the gamble at the auction table will be rewarded at the field – or whether each match will be again stigmatized.
