Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has raised questions on Chennai Super Kings’ playing combination ahead of their IPL 2025 clash against Punjab Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday. Chopra questioned Sam Curran’s place in CSK’s playing XII despite his inconsistent performances.
The England all-rounder has scored 21 runs in three matches at an average of only seven and a strike rate of 65.62. Furthermore, Curran has gone wicketless in the tournament for the franchise.
Chopra reckons CSK’s season is all but over as they have managed only two wins in nine games.
“Chennai gives me very little hope. I feel this team is done and dusted for the season. However, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has said that you can dream a little because we were saying that Vaibhav Suryavanshi is a good player, but can’t win the match alone. I am slightly scared about saying the same thing about Ayush Mhatre and Shaik Rasheed,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
Chopra backed the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Shivam Dube, Shaik Rasheed to deliver for CSK.
“If that kid could do it, these kids can also do it. Chennai is all about individual brilliance. It could be Mhatre, Shivam Dube, Rasheed, or whoever you wish to play. I don’t know why Sam Curran is playing, but it could be him. If you go back towards Devon Conway, it could be him,” he added.
The renowned commentator said the five-time champions should back Indian bowlers in place of Sam Curran.
“Without individual brilliance, you won’t be able to post a total you can defend, and you won’t be able to chase without that as well. I am also thinking that you should make Sam Curran sit out. Play all your Indian bowlers. They are already playing (Anshul) Kamboj. You can play Mukesh Choudhary, and if needed, you can play (Ravichandran) Ashwin,” Chopra observed.
The former KKR player wondered if CSK would lose five consecutive matches while playing at home.
“Chennai are stuck. Will they always remain at No. 10? It’s a big question. They have lost four consecutive games at home. Whoever comes, beats them and goes, whether it is RCB, DC, KKR or SRH. Will you lose five consecutive? At some stage, you will have to take revenge,” he said.
CSK will need to come up with an improved show against PBKS.
