Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Mitchell Santner expressed his frustration over the lack of chances in IPL as he has played only one match this season thus far. Santner has been associated with CSK since 2018, but over the years, the combination and having an Indian all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, in the line-up didn’t allow the Kiwi star to get many chances in the XI. He has played only 16 matches in six seasons for them, picking up 14 wickets and scoring 67 runs in his IPL career.
He got the chance to play against Punjab Kings this season at HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala. The left-arm spinner produced an economical spell, conceding only 10 runs and taking three wickets, including the crucial wicket of in-form Shashank Singh. He also contributed with the bat, scoring 11 runs. Santner acknowledged the frustration of not playing regularly but emphasized the importance of staying focused and supporting his teammates.
“Yeah, I guess that’s the challenge of not playing all the time. It might be frustrating at times but I think, it’s trying to stay focused if you are not playing. What I try to do is help the other boys out, whether it’s at training or during the game and even have conversations with people,” Santner said on CSK’s official website.
However, the Kiwi all-rounder suggested that he always prepares himself to be ready whenever the opportunity arises, even if he only plays two games in a season. “And then I guess when you do get your opportunity, it’s not letting the team down, it’s making sure you are ready for that whenever it comes. It’s such a long tournament. So, if it is only 2 games, I am going to try my best for those 2 games and if it’s more, if it’s not, I am happy, it’s all about the team’s success for me,” he added.
Meanwhile, with the win over Punjab on Sunday, CSK have moved up to third place in the points table with six wins and five losses, totaling 12 points. The defending champions will next face the formidable Rajasthan Royals at Chepauk on Sunday.
