Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced a crushing defeat at their home ground, Chepauk, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), sparking a wave of criticism from fans and experts alike. Among the voices of dissent is former CSK opener Shane Watson, who didn’t mince words while dissecting the team’s batting woes. Watson emphasized that CSK’s batting lineup is in disarray and called for immediate tactical adjustments to salvage their IPL 2025 campaign.
In one of the most anticipated clashes of the season, CSK’s decision to bowl first backfired spectacularly as their batters failed to rise to the occasion. Watson, known for his sharp cricketing acumen, suggested that CSK’s five-time IPL-winning legacy demands better strategies. He proposed that skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad should reclaim his opening spot, while Sam Curran should be slotted lower down the order at number seven instead of five.
Watson Warns: CSK’s Batting Vulnerabilities Exposed
“It was baffling to see Rahul Tripathi opening the innings. Ruturaj Gaikwad is a proven opener, yet he was pushed down the order. Even his shot against Hazlewood, where he made room, was uncharacteristic. Normally, he’s composed and reacts instinctively, but this time, he seemed under pressure,” Watson shared during his analysis on JioHotstar. “Deepak Hooda, unfortunately, is struggling to find his rhythm—he’s playing every ball like he’s just trying to survive. Batting Sam Curran at No. 5 doesn’t make sense to me; he’s better suited for No. 7. CSK’s current combinations are off, and if they don’t address these issues soon, their batting will continue to be exposed.”
CSK’s experiment with Rahul Tripathi and Rachin Ravindra as openers has yielded lackluster results, while Deepak Hooda’s middling performances in the middle order have added to the team’s woes. With their next match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, CSK will need to regroup quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive.
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