Jofra Archer’s Maiden Over Exposes Chennai’s Opening Struggles Again
Chennai Super Kings’ top-order troubles were again on show as they fell to 5/1 in the initial three overs of their latest IPL 2025 match. Jofra Archer’s probing spell, including the season’s first maiden over, completely derailed CSK’s openers, exposing their ongoing powerplay troubles.
But there was a rescue flourish late, as they got 37 runs in the last three overs and finished at 42/1 after six overs. Though this rescue saved their innings, their slow start is a reason for worry.
Powerplay Struggles: A Recurring Issue
In IPL 2024, CSK averaged 51.6 runs in the powerplay at a run rate of 8.6. That their failure to take the most out of the first six overs has carried over into IPL 2025, with their rate of scoring gone even lower, is undeniable.
Opening Pair Fails to Fire Again
CSK has been unable to identify a regular opening pair in the past two years. During IPL 2024, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ajinkya Rahane were given a go-around but none of them produced the explosive beginnings needed. Daryl Mitchell has been employed along with Gaikwad this year but the returns have been patchy.
If CSK have to be a force to reckon with in IPL 2025, they have to address their powerplay issues and have a settled opening attacking combination.