Why Play Him At All? – Former India Player Questions CSK’s Playing XI Changes After Loss to RR
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a narrow six-run defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their latest IPL 2025 clash. Former India opener Aakash Chopra has heavily criticized CSK’s decision to drop fast-bowling allrounder Sam Curran in favor of fellow England allrounder Jamie Overton.
Overton bowled just two overs and conceded 30 runs, while others like Matheesha Pathirana (2-28) and Noor Ahmad (2-28) performed well. However, Ravichandran Ashwin (1-46) and Khaleel Ahmed (2-38) were expensive, helping RR post a total of 182/9 in 20 overs.
Jamie Overton and CSK’s Bowling Issues
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra questioned CSK’s decision to play Overton when they had other Indian pace-bowling options on the bench.
“Like they say, change is not necessarily progress. They dropped Sam Curran for Jamie Overton, but then gave him only two overs to bowl,” Chopra remarked.
“Noor Ahmad was brilliant, and so was Pathirana. But why play Overton at all? He bowled just two overs and leaked 30 runs – enough to cause damage. There’s Anshul Kamboj on the bench, there’s Mukesh Choudhary and Gurjapneet Singh. Why this fixation with Overton?” he questioned.
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CSK’s Biggest Weakness in IPL 2025: Batting
Chopra believes that CSK’s main issue lies in their batting, as they kept losing wickets at crucial moments. Wanindu Hasaranga’s 4-35 played a key role in restricting CSK to 176/6 in 20 overs.
“They need to address the big problem, which is their batting. They haven’t done it in this game, and it has been exposed,” Chopra pointed out.
Despite having a reasonable target, CSK struggled to build partnerships. While captain Ruturaj Gaikwad played a crucial innings, scoring 63 off 44 balls at No.3, the rest of the batting lineup failed to step up.
“Even though it was a par score, a chase is successful only with a strong start. Rachin Ravindra got out in the first over, then Rahul Tripathi struggled to get runs. Gaikwad played a true captain’s knock but got out at a crucial moment. Ravindra Jadeja scored runs, but at a slower rate than required. They should bring in Devon Conway after this,” Chopra suggested.
What’s Next for CSK?
CSK will now face Delhi Capitals at the Chepauk on April 5, where they will look to address their concerns and bounce back.
