The Chennai Super Kings are having a rough ride in IPL 2025, and it’s not just fans raising eyebrows—pundits are jumping in too.
CSK have lost three of their first four games, and questions are piling up about everything from team balance to auction decisions. The five-time champions, once known for backing their players no matter what, now seem unsure of their best XI. Constant changes and a shaky middle order haven’t helped.
One big issue? Their batting just isn’t firing. CSK haven’t successfully chased a 180+ total since 2020. And while Shivam Dube is expected to be the big hitter in the middle overs, putting that weight on one player hasn’t worked. Even MS Dhoni, in what could be his final season, hasn’t been able to rescue them in crunch moments.
Despite the poor form, CSK still get a lot of love—especially from former players now in the commentary box. That loyalty became the punchline during a recent ESPN Cricinfo panel, when Ian Bishop threw a playful jab at some of his fellow pundits.
“The CSK guys—Rayudu, Hayden, Watson—they’re very, very pro-CSK. CSK would have to leave the room before they admit the team’s in trouble,” Bishop said, with a grin. “I get it though. When you’ve had that kind of success, it’s hard to let go. It’s like an umbilical cord that never got cut.”
Ambati Rayudu, who was right there on the panel, took the roast in stride. “I mean, unapologetically, we are,” he laughed.
CSK now face Punjab Kings in an away clash on Tuesday, hoping to turn things around. PBKS, meanwhile, look sharp—more balanced and aggressive this season—so the road ahead isn’t getting any easier for Dhoni’s men.
Read also: Ashwin’s YouTube Drops CSK Coverage After Guest’s Comment Causes Stir
