Amidst Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) dismal IPL 2025 campaign, former India batter Ambati Rayudu has stated that the five-time champions will henceforth be highly attentive about evolving as per the modern style of playing T20 cricket.
Having lost seven of their nine matches, CSK are on the verge of a first-round exit from the ongoing IPL. They are currently languishing at the bottom of the 10-team points table.
In their last fixture, the five-time champions suffered a comprehensive five-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Chepauk on Friday (April 25).
Desperate to change their fortunes, CSK have used 20 out of their 27-player squad so far, including youngsters like Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre. However, the move didn’t yield them desired result.
"I know it's the lowest of lows, but it's also a great learning for CSK. If you rest on your laurels and don't keep an eye on the future, this is what can happen. From here on, they'll be very, very vigilant about evolving with the game. Even MS Dhoni has acknowledged that the game has moved on, and I'm sure he's already thinking about building a team for next year.”
“We've seen some shining lights in the batting line-up, particularly Brevis and Mhatre - those are real positives. Sometimes, it takes a season like this to ground a team and remind them that the game is always bigger than us. You have to stick to the basics and stay humble," said Rayudu on JioStar.
Rayudu also addressed CSK's continuous batting struggles in the season. "I don't think there's confusion in shot selection - if anything, there aren't enough shots being played. The batters are taking more time than they should.”
“The change in personnel was needed, and what we're seeing now is more of a trial run for next season. I don't think CSK can carry forward most of their current squad - at best, seven or eight players might be retained," he added.
Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders will square off in Saturday's IPL 2025 game at the iconic Eden Gardens. PBKS had earlier defeated KKR when they defended 111 in Mullanpur.
"He'll carry great memories of the ground and of KKR, having won the IPL with them last season. There'll be a bit of fire in the belly—he wasn't retained, and now he's captaining Punjab. I think he'll be focused and motivated. Punjab looks the stronger side this season, and I see them as serious contenders for the playoffs," concluded Rayudu.
(With IANS Inputs)
