As Chennai Super Kings (CSK) prepare to face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a must-win encounter of IPL 2025, concerns are mounting over the team’s poor run and reluctance to make changes. With just 2 points from 6 matches and five straight losses, CSK sits at the bottom of the points table, far from their championship-winning reputation.
Hayden Sounds the Alarm for CSK
Former CSK opener Matthew Hayden has issued a strong statement ahead of the crucial LSG fixture. He believes that sticking to the same formula without results is risky and suggested that it’s time for Chennai to rethink their approach.
“Without change, it becomes insanity—doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results,” Hayden said on JioStar.
Hayden, however, acknowledged CSK’s tendency to back their players and stick to a consistent playing XI. He stated that while drastic changes might not be in the team’s DNA, something “clearly needs to shift” after CSK’s latest defeat to KKR, where they posted just 103/9 and lost by 8 wickets.
CSK’s Powerplay Struggles
One major concern has been CSK’s inability to score quickly during the powerplay. Hayden admitted that CSK “aren’t a team that scores 60 in the powerplay”, and urged them to “find a point of difference” to break out of the slump.
Fleming Defends Dhoni, Calls for Team Effort
Adding to the discussion, head coach Stephen Fleming defended MS Dhoni’s leadership but emphasized that the solution lies with the entire team.
“Dhoni’s influence will always be prominent, but he hasn’t got a magic wand. He can’t just rub it over the side,” Fleming stated during the pre-match press conference.
Fleming stressed the need for collective effort, saying that both he and Dhoni have faced similar challenges in their careers and know what it takes to bounce back.
Ruturaj Ruled Out, Young Replacement Joins
To make matters worse, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the season with an elbow fracture. In his place, CSK has signed 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre, who will join the squad ahead of the match against Mumbai Indians.
What’s Next for CSK?
With playoff hopes fading, the match against LSG is a critical opportunity for CSK to reset. Whether the leadership of Dhoni and the experience of the coaching staff can turn things around remains to be seen—but changes, both strategic and mental, appear to be the need of the hour.
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