After suffering a heavy defeat at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been drawing criticism from all corners of the world. Joining this list is former CSK opener Shane Watson, who has criticized the performances of all the batters and also mentioned that the team has not gotten their combinations right.
In one of the most high-profile matches of IPL 2025, CSK’s batting failed to fire despite opting to bowl first in their own backyard. To improve the batting, Watson has suggested that the five-time IPL winners make some adjustments, such as captain Ruturaj Gaikwad returning to the opening position for CSK and Sam Curran batting at number seven, rather than five.
CSK batting likely to get exposed: Watson
“It was disappointing to see certain decisions, like Rahul Tripathi opening the batting. Ruturaj Gaikwad is a quality opener, yet he had to come in later. Even one of the shots Ruturaj played—where he gave himself room against Hazlewood—was uncharacteristic. Normally, he stands still and reacts, but this showed he was under pressure,” Watson told JioHotstar. “Deepak Hooda, at the moment, just isn’t up to it; he played each ball as if he were trying to survive. Batting Sam Curran at No. 5 was also questionable—I see him as more of a No. 7 batter. Right now, CSK hasn’t got their combinations right, and they need to make a few adjustments. If they persist with this batting line-up, they risk being exposed.”
CSK’s tactics of opening with Rahul Tripathi and Rachin Ravindra have not given them the desired results, while Deepak Hooda in the middle order hasn’t performed well in the two games. Next, CSK will play against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.