NEW DELHI: After Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) disappointing run in IPL 2025 continued with a five-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), former India batter Ambati Rayudu said that the five-time champions would now become highly attentive about evolving with the modern style of T20 cricket.
Despite making several changes to their playing XI at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, CSK’s search for a victory remained unsuccessful, leaving them stuck at the bottom of the points table in tenth place.
“I know it’s the lowest of lows, but it’s also a great learning for CSK. If you rest on your laurels and don’t keep an eye on the future, this is what can happen. From here on, they’ll be very, very vigilant about evolving with the game. Even MS Dhoni has acknowledged that the game has moved on, and I’m sure he’s already thinking about building a team for next year,” Rayudu said on JioStar.
“We’ve seen some shining lights in the batting line-up, particularly Brevis and Mhatre — those are real positives. Sometimes, it takes a season like this to ground a team and remind them that the game is always bigger than us. You have to stick to the basics and stay humble,” he added.
The only bright spots for CSK were Ayush Mhatre’s 30 and Dewald Brevis’ 42 on debut for the franchise. Rayudu also spoke about CSK’s continuous struggles with the bat this season.
“I don’t think there’s confusion in shot selection — if anything, there aren’t enough shots being played. The batters are taking more time than they should.”
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He further commented on the changes made by the franchise: “The change in personnel was needed, and what we’re seeing now is more of a trial run for next season. I don’t think CSK can carry forward most of their current squad — at best, seven or eight players might be retained,” Rayudu said.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s IPL 2025 clash, Shreyas Iyer will lead Punjab Kings against his former side Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. PBKS had earlier defeated KKR by defending 111 in New Chandigarh.
“He’ll carry great memories of the ground and of KKR, having won the IPL with them last season. There’ll be a bit of fire in the belly — he wasn’t retained, and now he’s captaining Punjab. I think he’ll be focused and motivated. Punjab looks the stronger side this season, and I see them as serious contenders for the playoffs,” Rayudu concluded.
