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In a season already marked by frustration and experimentation, Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) decision-making came under the scanner yet again—this time drawing a sharp, public rebuke from legendary South African pacer Dale Steyn. During their IPL 2025 clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR), CSK’s unconventional choice to promote Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja up the batting order after an early collapse left fans and experts alike scratching their heads.
Dale Steyn criticises CSK’s batting order selection against RR
Steyn took to social media platform X and made a sarcastic remarks regarding the batting order of CSK, where he wrote, “CSK 3 down and they send 2 bowlers to bat. Sometimes I feel their math is not mathing,” perfectly capturing the bewilderment surrounding CSK’s tactics.
CSK’s troubles began almost immediately after being put in to bat by RR. With the scoreboard reading a precarious 12/2 after just two overs—following the dismissals of Devon Conway and Urvil Patel—the team management made a bold, if baffling, move. Rather than sending in their established power-hitters, CSK promoted Ashwin to number four and Jadeja to number five, both primarily known for their bowling prowess.
While Ashwin managed a brisk 13 off 8 balls and stitched a rapid 56-run stand with young Ayush Mhatre, his early promotion was only the third such instance in his IPL career. Jadeja, however, could not make an impact, falling for just 1 run. The move left proven finishers like Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube waiting in the dugout, a decision that drew widespread criticism—not least from Steyn, who questioned the logic of sending two bowlers to stabilize a faltering innings.
The repercussions were immediate. After Mhatre’s aggressive 43 off 20 balls and Ashwin’s brief cameo, CSK’s momentum fizzled. Jadeja’s quick exit further exposed the middle order, and although Brevis (42 off 25) and Dube (39 off 32) tried to resurrect the innings, the team could only muster 17 runs in the final three overs, ending at 187/8—a total RR chased down with ease.
CSK 3 down and they send 2 bowlers to bat.
Sometimes I feel their math is not mathing.
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) May 20, 2025
Experiment or confusion? What’s next for CSK?
CSK’s erratic batting order was not an isolated incident but rather symptomatic of a season riddled with tactical uncertainty. With playoff hopes already dashed, captain MS Dhoni admitted the franchise was in “experimental mode,” focusing on building for the future rather than immediate results. However, critics like Steyn argue that such experimentation in high-stakes matches risks undermining both player confidence and team morale.
The numbers paint a stark picture: CSK have now lost their top five wickets for under 100 runs in four of their last six matches, underlining persistent top-order struggles. Despite flashes of brilliance from young talents like Mhatre, the lack of a coherent batting strategy has left the team languishing near the bottom of the table, a rare sight for a franchise with five IPL titles under its belt.
Also WATCH: Vaibhav Suryavanshi touches MS Dhoni’s feet after CSK vs RR clash in IPL 2025
