Is IPL 2025 Ending in Disappointment for CSK?

New Delhi, May 21 (NationPress) It appears that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are poised to claim the dreaded title of wooden spoon holders for IPL 2025, having suffered another setback with a six-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals. The substantial crowd on Tuesday, consisting of children, adults, and seniors, braved the sweltering heat and a weekday to rally behind MS Dhoni & Co, donning yellow jerseys and cheering enthusiastically at every opportunity.

However, CSK's confused strategy – such as promoting Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja over Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube – combined with a bowling attack that lacked effectiveness, once again proved detrimental.

Prior to Tuesday's encounter, head coach Stephen Fleming emphasized the significance of finishing the season on a high note. Yet, with this loss marking their tenth of the season, it starkly highlighted CSK's struggles in the T20 landscape. Thus, it was hardly surprising to hear Fleming state that being at the bottom of the points table is 'probably fitting.'

“We don't particularly enjoy being in this position, but it doesn't serve as motivation. We aimed for a solid performance. Our focus was on delivering a couple of good performances. Now, we aim for just one good one to wrap things up,” said Fleming.

“It’s probably fitting that we're at the bottom. We've played that brand of cricket, so we can't shy away from it. What we need to do is deliver a significantly better performance that truly reflects our team’s potential,” he added during the post-match press conference.

While it was commendable for CSK to score 187/8 after being reduced to 78 for 5, that total was always going to be inadequate against a determined RR side, who triumphed thanks to their youngsters stepping up.

“Some players had training in Chennai as well. There was a bit of travel involved, but the rest is a bonus. If you are around the top four or five, it’s much easier to return and get motivated,” remarked Fleming.

“We are solely focused on putting forth quality performances. Our motivation for these two games has been incredibly high. Training has been productive. The intensity was there, yet we continue to lack performances in the middle,” he added.

Amid the turmoil, CSK could take some solace in the performances of Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis, who dazzled with their batting, scoring 43 and 42 runs, respectively. Although CSK managed to score 68 runs in the power-play, a phase that has contributed to their downfall, losing three wickets, including Mhatre's, hampered their chances of reaching 200.

“Our batting order is not optimal at this moment, and we’re constantly looking to adjust. We've got strong strategies for next year that will ensure all aspects are addressed. However, this year has been challenging due to insufficient runs at the top,” stated Fleming.

“A lot of batting positions depend on the quality of our start, allowing players to fall into line. Unfortunately, we haven’t had that, leading us to patch together innings instead of constructing solid ones,” he elaborated.

In a season marked by poor bowling, Matheesha Pathirana has struggled to replicate his wicket-taking prowess, prompting CSK to retain him for IPL 2025. With a unique slinging action, Pathirana has taken 12 wickets in 11 matches but has been costly, as reflected in his economy rate of 10.17.

“His performance hasn't met our expectations. We hold him in high regard, which is why we chose to keep him. However, he is gradually returning to form. He had a rough patch in South Africa. He’s made progress, but he's still not at the level we or he aspires to. There’s room for him to regain form and confidence,” said Fleming.

“He is at a crossroads where batsmen have begun to handle him better. They’ve seen more of him, and now he must focus on what’s necessary to be as effective as he once was. It’s a rare skill set, but he’s been slightly off,” he added.

Despite a lackluster bowling season, seamer Anshul Kamboj stood out in New Delhi with figures of 1-21, including a key wicket of the formidable Yashasvi Jaiswal. Kamboj, selected for the India ‘A’ tour of England, showcased seam movement to keep the RR openers in check, earning commendations from Fleming.

“Kamboj is impressive; his speeds hover around 138-139 – it's deceptive, as the ball reaches the keeper’s gloves with force. His primary strength lies in his length, enabling him to make the ball wobble on flat pitches. I believe he’ll excel on that tour,” he concluded, as another challenging night for CSK came to a close.