Former Indian opener turned commentator Wasim Jaffer questioned the intent of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) unit in their 25-run defeat at home to the Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 5. DC outplayed CSK throughout to lose their third consecutive match of IPL 2025 as well.

Talking about CSK’s defeat post-match on ESPN Cricinfo, Jaffer said: “If their top order doesn’t fire and Dube gets out, it looks like they shut shop very quickly. They feel really, really behind the game and it doesn’t even look like they’re trying. That approach has been the most surprising to me; it’s twice in two games, where they shut shop too early. That’s a major concern for CSK.”

“They’re losing too many wickets upfront. Whether it would be form or poor shot selection, whether it would be selection alone, and maybe throwing around too many players and those players might be feeling like, ‘I don’t know if I’m in or out,’ and that could be something we’re not used to when looking at a Chennai team. Usually, they’re stable, a good decision-making team and franchise. The team is like they’re a bit rattled at the moment.”

Meanwhile, former South African wicketkeeper-batter Mark Boucher believes the CSK top order’s struggle to provide quick start is the huge concern so far in IPL 2025.

“Their top order is really struggling. And we talk about your lower order which has been historically very strong and finishing off games, the [Ravindra] Jadejas, the Dhonis – the Dhoni little cameos that they usually have – they’re walking in just after ten overs. So, there’s a lot left to do from just a batsmanship perspective, and that’s where they’re getting it wrong,” said Boucher.