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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batters have struggled to get going in the two matches they have played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 so far. While Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad crossed the fifty-run mark in the campaign opener and chased down 156 with five balls to spare, in the run chase of 197 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), they managed to post 146/5. The batting displays left CSK's IPL 2018 final hero Shane Watson disappointed.
He does not want Rahul Tripathi opening the batting or Deepak Hooda at no.4 as he is struggling to survive. He feels Sam Curran ahead of Shivam Dube was not a good idea either.
"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," Watson said on JioStar.
"Normally, he stands still and reacts, but this showed he was under pressure. Deepak Hooda, at the moment, just isn't up to it; he played each ball as if he was 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."
Watson wants Dhoni higher up the order
CSK suffered a batting collapse and were reduced to 99 for 7. MS Dhoni walked out to bat at no.9 and remained unbeaten for 30 off 16 balls. Watson wants Dhoni to bat up the order and showcase the full extent of what he can do.
"This is exactly what CSK fans come to see -- 30 off 16 deliveries from Dhoni. I would have absolutely loved to see him come up the order. In my opinion, he should have batted ahead of Ashwin," Watson said.
"Given the game situation, Dhoni could have played like this for another 15 balls. Over the last couple of years, he has consistently shown that he's still batting beautifully. I truly believe he should be promoted up the order so we can see the full extent of his skills. "
CSK's next clash
CSK will face a low-on-confidence Rajasthan Royals (RR) led by Riyan Parag at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on March 30. It will be interesting to see whether CSK make changes to their side and the batting order. They can try Vijay Shankar at no.4 and Gaikwad at top instead of Tripathi.
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