Chennai Super Kings’ struggles in IPL 2025 continue to mount, and former India opener Virender Sehwag hasn’t held back in his criticism. After their fourth consecutive home defeat, Sehwag questioned CSK’s intent and approach with the bat, suggesting it looked like the players were simply waiting for the tournament to end and head home.
“It feels like CSK’s batters just want to get done with the match and go home. There’s no grit, no fight to stay at the crease and build an innings,” Virender Sehwag said on Cricbuzz. He specifically called out Ravindra Jadeja, stating that while his strike rate this season has been underwhelming, he should at least aim to anchor the innings given the tricky batting conditions at Chepauk.
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He added, “Jadeja’s strike rate might be poor, but he has to take responsibility. Stay till the 15th or 18th over — that’s what the team needs.”
‘#CSK का mindless बल्लेबाज़ी देखकर हूं हैरान’
सुनिए @VirenderSehwag और @RohanGava9 की चर्चा, Cricbuzz Live हिन्दी पर #CSKvSRH #IPL2025 #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/opzFbbxeU6
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) April 26, 2025
Jadeja’s strike rate of 125.76 in IPL 2025, across nine matches, reflects a dip from his career average. With Rachin Ravindra dropped, CSK reshuffled their batting order, pushing youngster Ayush Mhatre to open. The search for a stable No. 3 continued, with Sam Curran being the surprise pick in the latest fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
But Virender Sehwag was far from convinced. “I don’t understand what Sam Curran is doing at No. 3. He’s done the job in ILT20 at No. 4, but this isn’t the same scenario. When you’ve got a talent like Dewald Brevis, why not use him at three?” he questioned.
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Sehwag believes the middle-order should ideally be Dube, followed by Jadeja, Curran, and Deepak Hooda. “They’re missing Ruturaj Gaikwad badly. He was the anchor, the one who consistently scored at Chennai. Right now, they’re all over the place.”
