Aakash Chopra opens up on CSK’s struggles ahead of IPL 2025 clash vs SRH

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra said Chennai Super Kings are not been able to deliver with either bat or ball and it is leading to their downfall in the ongoing IPL 2025. The five-time champions have struggled to come up with a collective show and haven’t delivered as a unit.

The batting department hasn’t scored runs at a rapid pace whereas the bowling unit has also looked insipid. CSK have managed only two wins in eight games and they will need to win the remaining six to keep their playoffs hopes alive.

CSK could only post 176 runs in the last game against Mumbai Indians, which was a below par score and they need to turn a corner.

“The batting is still not doing well. Ravindra Jadeja was sent up the order. He scored a fifty as well last time, but he was going at a run-a-ball for a long time, which is not ideal because, ultimately, you were left too far behind. It was a 190 to 200-run pitch, and you didn’t even reach 160-165,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“The bowling is not looking as impressive as it looked at the start. Noor Ahmad is still picking up wickets. Both he and Khaleel Ahmed are in the Purple Cap list, but it’s not that impressive. It’s not getting together quite nicely. This problem is troubling them repeatedly, but that’s been their story,” he added.

On the other hand, CSK have been giving chances to youngsters like Shaik Rasheed and Ayush Mhatre and Chopra reckons they are looking forward to the next edition.

“Chennai have already started planning for the next year. So we saw a few changes in their batting order. We saw Shaik Rasheed and Ayush Mhatre. They are going towards youngsters,” he said.

The renowned commentator reckons CSK could bring in Anshul Kamboj in place of Ravichandran Ashwin if the pitch provides help for the fast bowlers.

“I am not expecting too many changes because the same team might play. You might see Anshul Kamboj if they feel the pitch is helpful for fast bowlers, or else this team might play with Ashwin only,” Chopra observed.

CSK will host SRH on Friday.