Overview

• Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have lost two of their first three games in IPL 2025, placing them seventh in the points table after a six-run loss to Rajasthan Royals.
• Head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that MS Dhoni's batting position is influenced by his knee issues, limiting his ability to bat for extended periods.
• Critics, including Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh, have pointed out CSK's long-standing struggles in chasing high totals and Dhoni's declining impact as a finisher.
• Poor fielding and questionable team combinations, such as dropping key players like Sam Curran, have been identified as major factors in CSK's defeats.
• Rajasthan Royals, led by interim captain Riyan Parag, capitalized on CSK's errors to secure their first win, with regular captain Sanju Samson expected to return for their next match.