Chennai Super Kings aren’t looking too great in IPL 2025. Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, the team has struggled to find their rhythm and has lost two out of their last three matches. The batting lineup has been inconsistent, and aside from Noor Ahmad, the bowlers have also had their ups and downs. CSK does have experienced spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Ashwin has taken three wickets in three games, but Jadeja only has one to his name.
Recently, there was some interesting advice on how to shape the team. Krishnamachari Srikkanth, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, suggested that they should replace Jamie Overton with Devon Conway and bring Anshul Kamboj into the playing eleven. He recommended keeping Ashwin but not using him in the powerplay, suggesting he can be more useful in the middle overs alongside Jadeja and Noor Ahmad. Srikkanth also mentioned dropping Tripathi for Kamboj and adding Conway to the lineup.
MS Dhoni’s batting position has been a hot topic as well. CSK coach Stephen Fleming talked about how fans shouldn’t expect Dhoni to bat around the 9th or 10th over like before, especially after their recent six-run loss to Rajasthan Royals. Dhoni batted at No. 7, scoring only 16 runs while chasing 183. In another game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he came in at No. 9 when CSK was in trouble at 80/6, and managed a quick 30 runs off 16 balls.
Fleming defended the decision to send Dhoni in later in the order, explaining that at 43, his body isn’t what it used to be. He pointed out that Dhoni’s knees have been a problem since his recent surgery, and he can’t run full speed for ten overs. Fleming noted that Dhoni tries to gauge his contributions based on the game’s situation and supports his teammates when possible.