Veteran Australian cricketer and former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Matthew Hayden raised concerns about senior CSK all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's form in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Hayden's main point of criticism was Jadeja's batting approach. He highlighted Jadeja's slow knock of 31 runs at a strike rate of just 134 during the first innings of CSK's second consecutive loss. Despite the loss, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) managed to hold onto their third position in the points table due to their superior net run rate compared to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Gujarat Titans (GT). The match itself saw Pat Cummins' Sunrisers Hyderabad defeat CSK. This loss came after CSK's previous away game defeat against Delhi Capitals. Cummins, who won the toss and elected to bowl first, made a strategic call that proved successful. An additional tidbit for the Hyderabad crowd was the chance to see former Chennai captain MS Dhoni bat, who came in after Jadeja was dismissed.
Matthew Hayden blasts at Ravindra Jadeja's slow knock
Sunrisers Hyderabad's bowling attack shone in the first innings, effectively restricting Chennai Super Kings from building partnerships. They kept picking up wickets at regular intervals, preventing CSK batsmen from settling in. A particular point of discussion was the batting order choice for CSK. Ravindra Jadeja, who batted at number 5, failed to capitalise on the opportunity. Former CSK opener Matthew Hayden, during the post-match analysis, questioned this decision.
Hayden praised Shivam Dube's aggressive knock of 45 runs off just 24 balls, highlighting his potential. However, he expressed disappointment with the dismissals of openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra, who got good starts but couldn't convert them into big scores. The main point of Hayden's critique was the batting order. He believed Moeen Ali or Daryl Mitchell, both all-rounders, should have batted ahead of Jadeja. In his opinion, they could have made a more impactful contribution than Jadeja, who Hayden felt lacked both form and rhythm throughout the first four matches.
"Dube was fantastic in the middle again. A couple of big sixes. Would have loved to see either Gaikwad or Ravindra get on with it but that didn't happen. Strategically I also thought they could have brought Moeen Ali up the order as well. Jadeja hasn't quite been there, his overall flow is not there. On a venue like this, when you've got to have that flow and rhythm, I thought there was an opportunity to play Moeen Ali," Hayden told Star Sports.
Tough test awaits CSK as they face in-form KKR next
Following their back-to-back losses, the Chennai Super Kings will be looking to turn things around when they host the in-form Kolkata Knight Riders in their next IPL match. The clash will take place at Chepauk Stadium on Monday, April 8.
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