Despite Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffering five consecutive losses in IPL 2025, batting coach Michael Hussey has thrown his full support behind the senior players in the squad. Currently placed ninth on the points table with just two points, CSK are under immense pressure and scrutiny — especially for sticking with veteran players instead of injecting young talent into the lineup.
Critics have questioned CSK’s auction strategy, pointing out the lack of a proven power-hitter or rising star in the batting department. With players like Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, and Rahul Tripathi struggling for form and MS Dhoni in the twilight of his career, many feel the team is relying too heavily on cricketers considered past their peak.
However, Hussey remains confident in the squad’s potential.
“I would argue that they’re not beyond their prime,” Hussey said after the team’s latest defeat.
“We’ve had players like Shane Watson and Ajinkya Rahane join us in the latter stages of their careers and still deliver match-winning performances.”
The former Australia international believes that experience still holds great value, and the current crop of players has what it takes to turn things around.
“I still believe the players we have now have good cricket left in them and can offer a lot. I don’t necessarily agree that they’re past their best. I think we can still see some great performances from them,” he added.
While some IPL teams have leaned into building squads around young talent, CSK continues to place faith in seasoned campaigners — a formula that has worked for them in the past. But with the team’s current form under the scanner, the upcoming matches will be crucial to proving that experience still counts.
CSK’s next clash will be a must-win if they want to keep their hopes alive for a playoff spot in IPL 2025.
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