Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2025 campaign is in serious danger of getting derailed after their fifth defeat in six matches so far in the season on Friday, going down to defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders.
The defeat became more painful for the CSK fans as the five-time champions registered their lowest total in a home match, scoring a mere 103 for 9, which KKR overhauled in just 10.1 overs for an eight-wicket win.
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Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes CSK’s confidence has hit rock bottom, and they have lacked “intent” in the first half of their campaign.
“(The) wicket looked quite tough to bat on. There was a little bit of movement with the new ball and certainly some spin. I think Chennai Super Kings got their plan wrong,” Clarke, who is an expert on JioStar, said.
“The way they went about it, it’s clear they’re down on confidence and their intent… well, there was no intent.”
Clarke said CSK’s “conservative” approach has put them in this situation, as they find themselves at No. 9 on the points table with just two points from a solitary win in six matches.
“At the moment, it seems like a very conservative approach, just trying to get close to winning or avoid a big defeat. Instead, they should throw it all on the line, risk everything, and try to win the game. That kind of change is easier said than done,” said the Australian.
“Just like a good, confident feeling can become infectious in a winning dressing room, the same applies when you’re losing. That losing feeling lingers, and it’s hard to get rid of sometimes.”