The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batted like a Test match? Did they succumb to their worst-ever loss in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history? Or are they still running on nostalgia? Well, all this is absolutely true according to former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth, who himself is a huge CSK fan.
The platform was set for a massive occasion as MS Dhoni returned as CSK’s captain after Ruturaj Gaikwad was officially ruled out of IPL 2025. Despite losing the toss, Dhoni got what he wanted – to bat first in front of a packed MA Chidambaram Stadium. But what did happen? KKR bowlers completely demolish the CSK batting lineup, making them suffer with their second-lowest first-innings total ever.
Awful batting by CSK
In the powerplay, CSK managed just 31/2 – the second-lowest powerplay score of IPL 2025. They started with playing 10 dot balls in the first 16 deliveries, and all the pressure fell on the batters on the crease. It was quite boring to see CSK bat like they did. It also prompted Srikkanth to launch an attack on their batting unit.
“One of CSK’s worst defeats ever. Powerplay batting looked like a rehearsal for a test match. Whole XI feels like it’s running on nostalgia,” wrote Srikkanth, who played 189 matches for India, on his Twitter account.
For the first time in IPL history, CSK have succumbed to five back-to-back defeats. The 8-wicket loss was also their heaviest defeat (in terms of balls remaining) in the IPL. KKR managed to win with 59 balls remaining.
Prithvi Shaw to CSK?
Well, Srikkanth continued and asked the CSK franchise to think out of the box. The Super Kings have always preferred experienced players over anyone else. But now, that formula doesn’t seem to be working. Players like Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda and Devon Conway are all massively struggling. Hence, it would be apt for them to name Gaikwad’s replacement as quickly as they can.
Srikkanth threw in one name – Prithvi Shaw, who surprisingly found no buyers at the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah. Time to think out of the box, why not try some unsold players like Prithvi Shaw at this point? Would you try it? , even chaos is a strategy?”
CSK’s batting plan has hit a roadblock with Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury. They initially tried Rahul Tripathi as an opener, but he failed to impress. Now, with Gaikwad out, CSK might revisit their plan. Shaw, who has previously played for Delhi Capitals (DC), could be a game-changer.
He’s a rapid starter, scoring 71% of his runs in the powerplay, with a high strike rate and boundary-hitting ability. Shaw could open alongside Rachin Ravindra, while Devon Conway moves down to number three, providing the firepower and anchoring CSK needed.
Prithvi Shaw IPL stats
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | Highest Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 79 | 1892 | 23.94 | 147.46 | 14 | 99 |
| Powerplay | 79 | 1347 | 25.90 | 146.57 | – | 48 |
