Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have come under scrutiny following their narrow six-run defeat against Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 match held at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. This marks CSK’s second loss in three games, leaving them in the seventh position on the points table.
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra was vocal about his dissatisfaction with CSK’s team composition. He criticized the decision to replace Sam Curran with Jamie Overton, who bowled only two overs and conceded 30 runs. Chopra remarked, “CSK, I do not like your playing XI one bit. You are making changes, but change is not necessarily progress. The truth is that you need to address the problem in your batting. It is not getting addressed.”
CSK’s batting lineup struggled once again, with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad scoring a half-century but receiving little support from the middle order. MS Dhoni, promoted to bat at No. 7, managed 16 runs off 11 balls before being dismissed on the first ball of the final over. Despite his efforts, CSK fell short of the 183-run target set by Rajasthan Royals.
CSK coach Stephen Fleming defended the team’s decisions, citing Dhoni’s fitness and the need to manage his workload. However, the lack of consistency in the batting order and the underperformance of key players have raised concerns among fans and analysts.
As CSK prepares for their next match, the team will need to address these issues to regain their winning momentum and climb up the points table. The spotlight remains on their playing XI and the strategies employed to turn their season around.
